Most Profitable Jockeys in 2022 Kentucky Derby (Which Jockeys Have Won the Kentucky Derby?)
By Peter Dewey
The 2022 Kentucky Derby takes place on Saturday, May 7 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Derby is scheduled to begin at 6:57 p.m. EST on Saturday.
Before betting on the Derby, it is important to look at the history of the jockeys in the race, as they have much more of a sample size than the horses themselves.
There are several former winners amongst this year’s field, but which have been the most profitable when they won?
First, let’s look look at the full list of jockeys competing in the 2022 Kentucky Derby:
2022 Kentucky Derby Jockeys and Horses
- Mickaël Barzalona – Summer Is Tomorrow
- Rafael Bejarano – Happy Jack
- Joe Bravo – Pioneer of Medina
- Luis Contreras – Ethereal Road
- Manny Franco – Zozos
- Tyler Gaffalione – White Abarrio
- Florent Géroux – Cyberknife
- Rey Gutiérrez – Barber Road
- Brian Hernandez Jr. – Tiz the Bomb
- Corey Lanerie – Smile Happy
- Christophe Lemaire – Crown Pride
- Julien Leparoux – Classic Causeway
- Irad Ortiz Jr. – Mo Donegal
- José Ortiz – Simplification
- Flavien Prat – Zandon
- Joel Rosario – Epicenter
- Luis Sáez – Charge It
- Ricardo Santana Jr. – Tawny Port
- Mike Smith – Taiba
- John Velázquez – Messier
- Sonny León – Rich Strike*
- James Graham – Rattle N Roll*
Most Profitable Kentucky Derby Winners in 2022 Field
Florent Géroux – Won in 2021 at +1500 Odds
Florent Géroux won last year’s Derby in unceremonious fashion, as Medina Spirit was officially disqualified and Geroux’s horse, Mandaloun was named the winner.
While he cashed in on +1500 odds last year, Géroux has just two top-10 finishes in five tries at the Kentucky Derby, although his other strong finish was third in 2016.
Flavien Prat – Won in 2019 at +6500 Odds
Flavien Prat is another jockey who won due to a disqualification, as Maximum Security’s disqualification in 2019 led to Prat’s horse, Country House, winning the Derby at shocking 65/1 odds.
This will be Prat’s fifth race in the Derby, and he has put together a third, second, first and 10th place finish so far. He’s a solid jockey to bet on in this race.
Joel Rosario – Won in 2013 (+500)
Joel Rosario has 10 Derby appearances, but just one win back in 2013 with his horse, Orb. Rosario hasn’t been nearly as profitable, finishing no higher than fourth in any of his other races.
However, this year, Rosario will ride the prohibitive Kentucky Derby favorite Epicenter. Maybe he can channel the magic from 2013 once again.
Mike Smith – Won in 2005 (+5000) and 2018 (+250)
Mike Smith is the most experienced jockey in this year’s Derby, as this will be his 28th start.
Smith has two wins, and 16 top-10 finishes, but he is riding the least experienced horse, Taiba in this year’s Derby. Smith has some value as a previous winner, but 2-for-27 isn’t nearly as convincing as the resume suggests.
John Velázquez – Won in 2011 (+2100), 2017 (+400) and 2020 (+800)
The only three-time winner in the field, John Velázquez will be making his 24th run at the Kentucky Derby.
Velázquez has 13 top-10 finishes, and did cash a 21/1 ticket with his win in 2011. If you want experience in this race, he or Smith are the obvious picks to make.