Why Jockeys Matter For Kentucky Derby Betting
Though they take a back seat to the horses in the Derby, there are many reasons why jockeys matter for Kentucky Derby betting. The facts show that though the overall aptitude of a horse is more reliant upon pedigree and training, the jockey does still have a tremendous influence on how any given horse will perform. It is the jockey’s job to learn the horse and recognize its individual strengths and weaknesses. Is the horse built for speed, or is it better to break the horse in the final seconds of the race? By honing in on these factors, the jockey can develop a strategy that will put his or her horse in the position to perform at its very best in the Run for the Roses.
One example of a jockey playing up to a horse’s natural ability is Calvin Borel with Mine That Bird in the 2009 Kentucky Derby. Borel knew that Mine That Bird would do better if broken at the last minute, so he was able to wait until the last 3/8 of a mile to push the horse into the lead. The individual style of the jockey can also influence what the horse is capable of, as Borel is known for taking horses through gaps that other jockeys might shy away from.
Jockeys are not meant to completely transform a horse, but are instead tasked with complementing a horse’s natural capabilities. Consider the height and weight of a typical jockey. Typically, jockeys’ weights range from 108-119 pounds, and their average height is typically between 4’10” and 5’6”. Though small, jockeys must also be quite lean and strong. This pairing of nimbleness and resiliency gives jockeys the ability to control their horses without weighing them down.
When it comes to betting, jockeys should definitely be a consideration when handicapping. If you see that a horse is being ridden by a jockey that has won previous Kentucky Derby races, you automatically know that they have a leg up on what to expect from the course. You can also research different jockeys to learn about their typical strategies and habits at mount. While the jockey should not be the only aspect you take into account when betting on the Kentucky Derby, it is a generally assumed that the jockey accounts for 10-15% of the horse’s performance.
The Kentucky Derby is a true test to both the horse and the jockey. Being able to win the race shows the endurance and stamina of the Thoroughbred, but it also represents a phenomenal feat for the jockey. Winning the Kentucky Derby once is the highlight of any jockey’s career, and being able to win multiple times is simply a dream come true. This is not an achievement made by many in the nearly 150-year history of the Kentucky Derby, but there are a few elite jockeys that have risen to the occasion to become repeat winners. Below is a list of the jockeys with multiple Kentucky Derby Wins in the past 20 years.
| Mario Gutierrez | Victor Espinoza | Calvin Borel | Kent Desormeaux |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 - I'll Have Another | 2002 – War Emblem | 2007 – Street Sense | 1998 - Real Quiet |
| 2016 - Nyquist | 2014 – California Chrome | 2009 – Mine That Bird | 2000 - Fusaichi Pegasus |
| 2015 - American Pharoah | 2010 - Super Saver | 2008 - Big Brown |
| Race Day: |
| Saturday, May 3, 2025 |
| Post Time: |
| 6:57 pm EDT |
| Race Day: |
| Churchill Downs |
| Track: |
| Louisville, Kentucky |
| Track Length: |
| 1.25 Miles |
Now that you know more about the famous jockeys that have ridden the likes of Nyquist and American Pharoah, it is time to find out how to bet on the Kentucky Derby. Online racebooks are the best place to bet on the Kentucky Derby without having to travel to Churchill Downs. Horse racing betting sites take action on all the same horse bets available at the track. You can make Win, Place, or Show bets or go for more exotic wagers like exacta boxes, daily doubles, or pick 6s.
When you use an online racebook, you get the best Kentucky Derby betting odds and the most opportunities to win. Two of the best online racebooks for betting on the Kentucky Derby are Bovada and 5Dimes. Both of these sites boast all of the exciting features that horse enthusiasts look for in an online racebook, and signing up is fast and free.
The first jewel in the Triple Crown garners attention from thousands of bettors each year, and so does the Bovada online racebook. Bovada is the #1 online horse racing betting site for Derby Day betting. Futures odds on the Derby champion are available more than a month in advance of the race, while mainline odds for the Kentucky Derby are available just as soon as the field is announced.
All you have to do to start betting on the Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports is create your account at Bovada and then make a hassle-free deposit. Bovada now offers Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash as one of its primary banking options, allowing for the most secure and expedient deposits and withdrawals. You can deposit up to $5,000 in BTC, and you can withdraw up to $9,500 instantly.
The Bovada racebook is now available to access via your mobile phone or tablet. You can use any iOS, Android, or Windows device to bet on the Kentucky Derby. Really, any portable device will work as long as it has a modern Internet browser. All of the award-winning features that you are used to seeing on Bovada’s desktop site are available on this mobile platform. You can access 80+ Thoroughbred and harness tracks right from the palm of your hand, including Churchill Downs, Pimlico Race Course, and Belmont Park. Since the software is optimized for mobile devices, you will be able to easily navigate the racebook no matter what size of screen your smartphone or tablet has. If you can bet on it at Churchill Downs, you can bet on it at the Bovada racebook!
When you join an online racebook for legal Kentucky Derby betting, you will first need to register an account and make a quick deposit. This entire process should take less than 20 minutes, depending on the deposit method you choose. While most racebooks will accept Visa, Mastercard, checks, bank wires, and other options, we prefer to use Bitcoin. Bitcoin is one of the fastest deposit methods, and it also has one of the highest deposit limit maximums. There are no fees when you deposit with BTC, and your funds are credited instantly.
If you are a high-roller horse bettor, you may prefer bank wires, as there is typically no limit to the amount that you can deposit. Your bank will often charge a transfer fee when you initiate the request, and depending on the bank in question, it takes between 3-5 business days for funds to reach your online betting account. In addition to bank wires, there are plenty of other flexible payment options to meet the needs of all horse bettors – you just have to pick the one that is most convenient for you.