2017 Kentucky Derby: Full jockey list and mount

Here’s an updated list of which jockeys are riding which horse at the 2017 Kentucky Derby. 

People love to bet on horse racing. Its season unofficially begins on the first weekend of May, during which the Kentucky Derby takes place. Betting on horses can be a tedious task. It’s hard to bet on which one will win. Some people go with their gut. Others have a more analytical or scientific method. But one of the most underrated ways to determine who has a good chance of placing or winning is checking out the jockey list.

A horse is often only as fast or as nimble as its jockey. The rider must be on top of things and has to know how to handle his horse. Veterans tend to do better than rookies due to their experience. Mario Gutierrez, who led Nyquist to a derby win last year, is returning this year. He’ll be riding Irap. Two-time champion Victor Espinoza will be participating as well, riding on Gormley. His brother Jose L. Espinoza was reportedly scheduled to ride the horse at first.

Here’s a full list of the jockeys as well as which horse they will be riding on Saturday.

Girvin – Mike E. Smith
Classic Empire – Julien R. Leparoux
Gormley – Victor Espinoza
Irap – Mario Gutierrez
Irish War Cry – Rajiv Maragh
Thunder Snow (IRE) – Christophe Soumillon
Always Dreaming – John R. Velazquez
Gunnevera – Javier Castellano
Practical Joke – Joel Rosario
J Boys Echo – Robby Albarado
State of Honor – Jose Lezcano
Tapwrit – Jose L. Ortiz
Hence – Florent Geroux
Fast and Accurate – Channing Hill
McCraken – Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
Battle of Mideay – Flavien Prat
Patch – Tyler Gaffalione
Untrapped – Ricardo Santana, Jr.
Looking at Lee – Corey J. Lanerie
Sonneteer – Kent J. Desormeaux

Next: Each State's Sports Mt Rushmore

The Kentucky Derby should be a very exciting race this year. Be sure to check it out on Saturday.