The Best Of The Best.
There is absolutely no doubt that the horse racing world is jam-packed with oodles of unfathomable talent, from both horses and jockeys alike. Some horses astound us regardless of the jockey they take with them.
However, some jockeys really do take it further, and we do not realize just how much these jockeys matter to the ability of the horse on the track.
With that being said, we know that there are a lot of newbies in the races, and some of them are rearing their heads and showing us what true talent is. A year or two ago, we may never have heard the names of these jockeys, but now, they are dominating the tracks, the sport, and our hearts.
So, when you look at the live Pegasus odds, which names should you be looking out for?
That is what we will share with you today, an answer to all your horse race betting worries, the names of the best jockeys in the world for this coming year.
Who Are We Looking Out For?
There have been many top riders in different jurisdictions of horse racing, it is kind of hard to compare and contrast different riders, especially when they race in different areas, different types of races and so on.
You cannot choose which criteria to judge against, so instead of thinking too hard on it, we are simply going to provide a list with the jockeys we think have the most potential to really win our heart and all their races in 2022.
Of course, you might think differently, or we may have missed one or two out that might have been obvious. But these choices are the ones we can undoubtedly say, are really topping their game at the moment.
#1. Rachael Blackmore.
After the events of last year, how could we not include Rachael Blackmore? She was one of the best female jockeys in 2021. Actually… She was the TOP jockey completely for the whole year. She even just scraped by winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup!
She has an unbelievable amount of talent, and we are all keeping our eyes open with her around. She is known for her skills, the ones you saw if you watched the Cheltenham Festival in 2021.
Let's not forget that she is a total natural in National Hunt racing as well. She knows how to control a horse, and connects with the horse in a way that ensures it gives as much effort as she does, which is her everything.
This undoubtedly makes her a top pick for this year, and someone to watch closely.
#2. Jack Kennedy.
We are all hearing a lot about Kennedy too, he is an Irish jockey who competes in National Hunt races. He won brilliantly with Minella Indo in the Gold Cup last year. At only 22 years old, he has a very fulfilling career ahead of him, and so he is definitely one to watch.
What is even more interesting about this jockey is that he actually holds the title of being the youngest ever jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
We have only known him since 2015, but in 2014 he won the Dingle Derby. So, in 2022, we cannot help but expect epic things from him. We expect to see him riding in the main grade 1 races in Cheltenham again this year. We don't doubt that he will do well.
#3. Ryan Moore.
Then there is Ryan Moore, another name that is being heard a lot. He has been climbing the latter as primary jockey for the trainer Aidan O'Brien's operation.
Wherever he is racing, he demands respect and never steps out of line. He was born into racing, and he sure acts like it. His father was a trainer, and all his siblings are also riders.
He has been a champion in the UK many times, and has collected some of the biggest races out there.
However, he is at the top, and on this list because it is his worldwide success that makes him fascinating. Where will he end up next?
#4. Flavien Prat.
Flavien Prat is also another name we are sure you have heard of. He is the son of a trainer, and rides in Germany, Italy, France, and the US. He began riding in 2009, and his first full season in the U.S. was in 2015.
At Del Mar, he earned his first Grade 1 win in the United States, and he has not stopped since then.
In his career he has had 1,243 firsts, 1,068 seconds, and 839 thirds. Rather astounding since he has not been riding so long. His most notable win was third in the 2017 Kentucky Derby, and in the 2021 Derby he finished third once more, this time riding infamous Hot Rod Charlie.
#5. Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Let us not forget Irad Ortiz Jr. He has been slow and steady, rising up the ranks. However, in recent years he has become a big name at the tracks.
At the Breeders' Cup meet in ‘19 he gained four wins, headed by Vino Rosso in the $6 million Breeders Cup Classic.
His younger brother is also a jockey, and his grandfather and uncle were also both respected riders, so like with many of these best riders, it really is in the blood.
Irad was born in 1992, so he is at an age where all he can do is get better. Since he began in 2011, he has been continually racking up Grade 1 victories, and we expect him to continue to do so.
#6. Frankie Dettori.
Let's finish up with the best-known jockey in the world. Dettori's string of wins demands that we do not leave him out of our list.
After all the chaos around Godolphin and alleged drug use, he could have stopped racing, but… no. He is still riding at his peak, and despite being 50 years of age, he is still a force to be reckoned with.
Keep your eyes on this one for sure.
