Jockeys’ Guild | Support, Benefits & Services

On Wednesday of closing week at Churchill Downs, Tyler Gaffalione was in third place in the jockey standings with 7 wins trailing Jose Ortiz with 11 and Luis Saez with 8. By Sunday, Gaffalione had landed another leading jockey title at Churchill with six wins on Saturday including the Ack Ack (G3) and Lukas Classic (G2) and 12 wins overall for the week.

The panel of racing experts voted Gaffalione Jockey of the Week honors for September 21-27.

Gaffalione began his ascent in the standings on Wednesday with Race 1 for trainer Joe Sharp and ending the day with a win in Race 8 for trainer Brendan Walsh. He added another win on Thursday for trainer Greg Foley in Race 5 and on Friday, Race 9 for trainer David Fawkes.

Gaffalione’s stellar six-win Saturday began in Race 3 for Joe Sharp, He then won three races in a row starting with Races 5 and 6 for Brendon Walsh and Race 7 for trainer Riley Mott.

Gaffalione posted his fifth win of the day aboard Bishops Bay in the Ack Ack Stakes (G3) for two-time Eclipse Award trainer Brad Cox. Breaking from post four in the field of seven, 6-year-old Bishops Bay dueled early with longshot Macho Music before putting that rival away leaving the turn for a two-length lead. Coal Battle and Owen Almighty tried to close the gap but Bishops Bay held on in a tight photo finish in 1:54.1 for one mile.

“Everybody came at him, took their shot, but he kept fighting hard and really showed a lot there today,” said Gaffalione to Churchill Downs publicity.

Gaffalione capped his six-win day aboard Dragoon Guard in the Lukas Classic (G2) for Brad Cox. Breaking from post four at 3-1in the five-horse field, the gray Dragoon Guard raced in fourth rounding the clubhouse turn. Taking the lead heading into the far turn, Dragoon Guard rolled home a 3-1/2 length winner. With the win, Gaffalione became just the 13th jockey to win six races in a day at Churchill Downs.

“It’s been a really special day winning six races and two stakes,” said Gaffalione. “This race is always very special and I’m thankful to the connections for letting me ride (Dragoon Guard). He made a big run for me.”

On Sunday, closing day, Gaffalione won Race 4 for Hall of Famer Bob Baffert and Race 9 for Brendon Walsh for a total of 12 wins for the week and earning the leading jockey title with 17 wins.

Gaffalione will be riding at Keeneland beginning opening day on Friday.

Other nominees for Jockey of the Week included Edwin Gonzalez who travelled to Santa Anita from Gulfstream Park to win the Goodwood (G1), Emisael Jaramillo with two graded stakes wins at Santa Anita, Jose Ortiz with a graded stakes win the Beldame (G2) at Belmont and the Oklahoma Derby (G3) at Remington Park and Umberto Rispoli with two graded stakes wins at Santa Anita.

Statistics provided by: Equibase

Photo: Coady Media

It is an honor to serve as Co-Chairmen of the Jockeys' Guild. Alongside our fellow Board members and dedicated staff, we are committed to representing every Guild member and strengthening the programs, benefits, and resources that support jockeys and their families.

As we begin this new chapter, we also want to recognize the extraordinary leadership of Johnny Velazquez. After nearly two decades serving as Chairman and later Co-Chairman, Johnny leaves an incredible legacy of service to the Guild and our industry. While stepping aside from the Co-Chair role, he remains an active Board member, and we are honored to continue building upon the foundation he helped create.

Since 1940, the Jockeys' Guild has existed to serve one purpose: to be the unified voice of professional jockeys. Together, we continue working to improve safety, advocate for fair compensation, expand insurance and wellness benefits, provide mental health resources, and create new educational opportunities through the Jockeys' Guild Education Foundation.

Thank you for your continued support and for the pride you take in being a member of the Jockeys' Guild.

By uniting jockeys under one national organization, the Guild strengthens safety standards, protects livelihoods, and advocates for long-term industry reform. Its presence in the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing industry creates accountability, elevates professional standards, and helps secure a sustainable future for both riders and the sport itself.

With a forward-looking approach, the Guild continues to anticipate challenges, innovate protections, and ensure that every jockey—past, present, and future—has the support and advocacy they deserve.