The 152nd Kentucky Derby will feature up to 20 jockeys, including Irad Ortiz Jr. and John Velazquez. Fourteen jockeys are aiming for their first win, while five seek to become repeat champions.
Key points
Up to 20 jockeys will compete in the Kentucky Derby 2026
Soon, up to 20 riders will saddle their horses and nestle into the starting gate at Churchill Downs, bracing for the most exciting two minutes in sports.
After 1 1/4 miles, one will guide his colt from the dirt to the turf track, where a rose garland and immortality await â each their prize for winning the 152nd Kentucky Derby. As the field stands (on April 20), 14 jockeys are eyeing their first victory. Five others seek to join an elite group of repeat winners.
Here's a look at the confirmed riders for Derby 152:
Irad Ortiz Jr. is making his 10th Derby start aboard Renegade. Ortiz most recently finished 14th with Publisher (2025), but his best finish came with Improbable in 2019 (fourth). The 33-year-old Puerto Rican jockey has 100 wins and 123 other top-three finishes across 398 starts in 2026, according to Equibase.
Luis Saez will make his 13th Kentucky Derby start aboard Commandment. Saez's best finish came with Essential Quality (third) in 2021. He finished 13th aboard Neoequos in 2025. The 33-year-old Panamanian jockey has 65 wins and 104 other top-three finishes across 371 starts in 2026, according to Equibase.
John Velazquez has already won the Kentucky Derby three times (2011, 2017, 2020). Should he ride Further Ado to another victory this year, Velazquez will become the fourth jockey to win this race at least four times. The 54-year-old Puerto Rican would be in contention for a record-tying fifth Derby triumph had Medina Spirit not been disqualified in 2021. Velazquez has 47 wins and 70 other top-three finishes across 265 starts in 2026, according to Equibase.
Q&A
Who are the confirmed jockeys for the Kentucky Derby 2026?
The confirmed jockeys include Irad Ortiz Jr. and John Velazquez, among others.
What is the date of the Kentucky Derby 2026?
The Kentucky Derby 2026 is scheduled for April 20, 2026.
How many jockeys are competing for their first Kentucky Derby win?
Fourteen jockeys are competing for their first victory in the Kentucky Derby.
What is at stake for the winning jockey of the Kentucky Derby?
The winning jockey will receive a rose garland and the chance for immortality in horse racing history.
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Javier Castellano is making his 18th Kentucky Derby start with The Puma. Castellano finished fifth last year with Owen Almighty and previously won this race with Mage in 2023. He comes from a racing family, as his father, uncle and brother Abel Jr. have all worked as jockeys. The 48-year-old Venezuelan jockey has 46 wins and 74 other top-three finishes across 279 starts in 2026, according to Equibase.
Tyler Gaffalione is making his eighth Kentucky Derby start with Fulleffort. Gaffalioneâs best finish was second in 2024 aboard Sierra Leone. The 31-year-old jockey out of Kansas City, Kansas, has 69 wins and 140 other top-three finishes across 447 starts in 2026, according to Equibase.
Mike Smith is looking for his third Derby win 21 years after his first victory in 2005 with Giacomo. Smith also won with Justify in 2018. Should Smith win with So Happy, he would replace then-54-year-old Bill Shoemaker, who rode Ferdinand to victory in 1986, as the oldest jockey to win the Derby. This yearâs run for the Roses is Smithâs 29th. The 60-year-old has 10 wins and 16 other top-three finishes across 54 starts in 2026, according to Equibase.
Cristian Torres
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - MAY 04: Gun Pilot #10, ridden by Cristian Torres, wins the Churchill Downs Stakes during a undercard race ahead of the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 04, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - MAY 04: Gun Pilot #10, ridden by Cristian Torres, wins the Churchill Downs Stakes during a undercard race ahead of the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 04, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Cristian Torres will continue an impressive season with his first Kentucky Derby start. Torres was the first rider to reach $5 million in earnings at the 2025-26 Oaklawn meeting in April. The 28-year-old Puerto Rican jockey has 51 wins and 100 other top-three finishes across 309 starts in 2026, according to Equibase.
Flavien Prat
Flavien Pratt celebrates aboard Du Jour, after coming from behind to win the American Turf at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day.
Flavien Pratt celebrates aboard Du Jour, after coming from behind to win the American Turf at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day.
Flavien Prat, winner of the 2019 Kentucky Derby with Country House, will participate in his ninth Run for the Roses aboard Emerging Market. This is Pratâs sixth consecutive Derby. The 33-year-old French jockey has 82 wins and 103 other top-three finishes across 310 starts in 2026, according to Equibase.
Manny Franco
