21 Times Latino Jockeys Triumphed at the Kentucky Derby

21 Time Latino Jockeys won at the Kentucky Derby (Updated)

With a strong Latino presence in the 2025 Kentucky Derby, Junior Alvarado and Sovereignity led the way as we now look back at 22 historic wins that showcase their lasting influence in the sport.

MAY 3, 2025 2:36 PM EDTMAY 3, 2025, 2:36 PM EDT

Latino jockeys have been shaping the Kentucky Derby for decades—and not just in passing. With at least 21 wins under their belt, their impact is anything but minor. While the spotlight usually lands on the horses or the hats, it’s the riders—especially the Latino ones—who’ve helped define this race’s history. And that legacy is still growing.

On Saturday evening at Churchill Downs, Sovereignty triumphed over 18 competitors on a muddy track to win the 151st Kentucky Derby. Jockey Junior Alvarado, the son of former rider Rafael Alvarado, rode with precision and calm, making the victory a defining moment in both his career and his family’s racing legacy.

Latino talent once again is taking center stage at the 151st Kentucky Derby, held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 3, 2025—continuing a tradition of excellence that deserves more recognition.

Horses exit the track following a morning training session ahead of the 151st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 02, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky.

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From Puerto Rico to Venezuela, explore 21 historic Kentucky Derby wins by Latino jockeys and the powerful legacy they’ve built in the sport. — Horses begin to slow after the completion of a race prior to the 151st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 02, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Latino Jockeys at the 2025 Kentucky Derby

Here's a breakdown of the Latino jockeys and their mounts:

Martin Garcia (Mexico) – Citizen Bull
Joel Rosario (Dominican Republic) – Tiztastic
Junior Alvarado (Venezuela) – Sovereignty (WINNER)
Luis Sáez (Panama) – Neoequos
Javier Castellano (Venezuela) – Owen Almighty
Manny Franco (Puerto Rico) – East Avenue
Luan Machado (Brazil) – Final Gambit

Horses and riders on the track for morning workouts prior to the 151th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 02, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Every Latino jockey who’s won the Derby

Here's a brief overview of their identities, origins, and record-setting horses:

Puerto Rico

Angel Cordero Jr.: Cannonade (1974), Bold Forbes (1976), Spend a Buck (1985)
John Velázquez: Animal Kingdom (2011), Always Dreaming (2017), Authentic (2020)

Authentic with John Velazquez riding wins the Breeders Cup Classic for trainer Bob Baffert on November 7, 2020 in Lexington, Kentucky.

Mexico

Víctor Espinoza: War Emblem (2002), California Chrome (2014), American Pharoah (2015)
Mario Gutiérrez: I’ll Have Another (2012), Nyquist (2016)

Mario Gutierrez aboard Nyquist (13) and Mike Smith aboard Danzig Candy (20) in action early in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY (May, 2016)

Panama

Braulio Baeza: Chateaugay (1963)
Jacinto Vásquez: Genuine Risk (1980), Real Quiet (1998)
Jorge Velásquez: Pleasant Colony (1981)

Foolish Pleasure with jockey Jacinto VÃ¡squez in the winnner's circle at the 1975 Kentucky Derby / 101st running of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs.

Venezuela

Gustavo Ávila: Cañonero II (1971)
Sonny León: Rich Strike (2022)
Javier Castellano: Mage (2023)
Junior Alvarado: Sovereignty (2025)

Jockey Javier Castellano celebrates atop of Mage #8 after winning the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 06, 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Peru

Jorge Chávez: Monarchos (2000)
Edgar Prado: Barbaro (2006)

Jockey Edgar Prado aboard Barbaro wins the 2006 Kentucky Derby, the 132nd Run for the Roses

Chile

José Santos: Winning Colors (1988)

Dominican Republic

Joel Rosario: Orb (2013)

Jockey Joel Rosario guides Orb to the finish line to win the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 4, 2013 in Louisville, Kentucky.

More than just riders: A growing legacy

Trainer Woody Stephens (1913 - 1998) with winning horse 'Cannonade' and jockey Angel Cordero at the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 4th, 1974. (Photo by UPI/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images)

With three Kentucky Derby victories each, Angel Cordero Jr., John Velázquez, and Victor Espinoza lead the field, making them the most successful Latino jockeys. Their success isn’t just personal; it reflects the deep roots Latino riders have in the sport. In 2015, over 60% of Derby jockeys were Latino, showing just how much of the field they now represent. While jockeys dominate this list, Latinos have also made significant contributions behind the scenes. Think Cuban trainer Laz Barrera or the Venezuelan crew behind Mage in 2023.