1. Gomez

2. Velazquez

3. Desormeaux

4. Bejarano

5. R. Baze

6. Albarado

7. Prado

8. Dominguez

9. Garcia/Leparoux

10. Castellano/Theriot

There's not a race that goes by that I don't look for Chris Antley's name.  I miss him so much and can't believe he's gone.

You leave Patrick Valenzuela off that list?  I know he is in no mans land down in Louisiina these days but if he were riding in Calfornia or Saratoga in the big races he would be in the top 5 of the standings.  

It's unfortunate he has never been able to get himself straight but when he is on he is one of the best of all time.  

All you have to do is look at his record to think that.

I like your picks one comment about Prado. He picks his spots and they are for the most part big money ones.Saying that he sure gets the job done.Some underrated riders don't leave their hood.If they stepped out they would be noticed more.There's a rider at Woodbine,Emma-Jane Wilson and she's a super smart and talented rider. She never leaves homebase except for an invite overseas last year,but man can she raceride and strong! She can throw a horse just about anywhere and gutsy as hell.

Pat Valenzuela can outride Kent Desormeaux any day of the week. Also, you should have a list of dirt and turf riders because aside from Gomez, most of the top ten listed would not normally be the same top ten on turf. The best turf rider in the USA is Brice Blanc, a French ex-pat. Most of the other best turf riders are in Europe also. Some of them deserve to be rated very high too.

Any list with Russell Baze on it is a joke.  

Wanda, Emma-Jane was North American Eclipse Award winning Apprentice. If we don't know and admire her, then those folks are sleeping under a rock somewhere. Got her college degree too I heard, that's why she was an apprentice for so long, good for her. Thought she rode some races in the US, a couple years ago.

Best All-time:

1.Pincay Jr.

2.Shoemaker

3-5.G.Stevens,Bailey,Day

Active:

1-2.Bejarano,Gomez

3.Prado

4.Velasquez

5.Albarado

All I say is Hartack.  12 derby mounts, 5 wins. Enough said.

Jorge Ricardo is at least 50 wins AHEAD of Baze.Yet he does not get any credit simply because he rides in South America, yet Ricardo rides against the best in his continent...day in and day out. Does Baze? Heck no. There can only be ONE Worlds Winningest Jockey and that is Jorge Ricardo until Baze catches him.

Russell the Muscle *absolutely* deserves to be on the list. The work ethic of this man is incredible, and booting home cheap claimers year after year after year is no easy feat.

He likes what he does and where he does it. Still deserves the ranking. When Baze Meadows comes down, I hope they put a statue up in that hideous strip mall parking lot that'll be there one day. Ugh.

As for P-Val, what a darn shame. That man has gifts only God can give, and he does everything he can to mock what he was given. Coulda, shoulda, P-Val.

Prado ... talent, drive, professionalism, class. No. 1 in my book, always. Love ya, Edgar.

The one I like to watch most? Go-Go. Talent and guts, plus timing and spacial ability that defies the laws of physics.  

Hard to argue with the top 10 list. I recall that the word on John Velasquez was that he became gun-shy after breaking his collarbone at Keeneland two years ago. After watching him in action for the first 5 days of the Saratoga meet, I'd say the rumours are unfounded.

I agree that Gomez is probably #1 at this point.

I would add Cornelio Velasquez to the underrated list and a favourite underdog of mine, Rudy Rodriguez. If he rode anywhere else, he'd be a top ten rider. I also recall Jason that on your previous blog at another site, you mentioned that James Graham got a lot of support as an underrated rider.

I'd have to say that Jerry Bailey is my all-time favourite. The way he managed the last few years of hid career were brilliant. The fact that he retired a couple million dollars shy of the all-time mark and just before the Kentucky Derby preps when he could have attained more money and a possible third Derby win show class and wisdom in my eyes.

I hope that Jean-Luc Samyn has saved his money and is riding more for the pleasure now rather than trying to eke out a living on the tough NYRA circuit.

My favourite "freak jockey": Ray Ganpath, all 5'9" of him.

No way do I put Russell The Muscle on that list--no way does he compare to the top two turn jocks and I DO respect him as a sprint jock as well as such a hard worker--but, no way could he have even cracked the top three spots in So Cal--NO WAY, NOT EVER!! As for your top three, I agree with you that Gomez, Bejarano, Johnny V are at the top---Pat Valenzuela is the best jockey I've ever seen, and I saw Laffit and Shoe in their prime--agree also with you about Eiber Coa--also think David Flores is an underated treasure and have been fortunate to see Michael Baze become one of the best finishers in the business--no way would I have taken the Derby mount on Georgie Boy away from him--he fit that horse.....there's an Aussie jockey named Damien Oliver who would hold his own in any jockey room but, face it, it's the horse that gets you there---jockeys like Flores and M Baze make hay with much less and both have the cool and class to win on center stage--perhaps Mr Flores will come down the outside with Street Boss in BC Sprint---perhaps Mr Baze will get back up on Georgie Boy and wreak some havoc of his own on last Sat in October.....

Still Prado. Didn't you guys watch the Virginia Oaks the other weekend?

WHOA. Amazing. That's skill.

1) Prado

2) Gomez

3) J. Velasquez

4) Desormeaux

5) Bejarono

6) Albarado

7) Castellano

8) C. Velasquez

9) Baze

10)Dominguez

PVal is an absolute horse racing genius. His ride in 2003 on Adoration in the '03 BC Distaff was as good as it gets. And his ability to get a horse quickly out of a gate and establish racing position should be a chapter in a horse racing textbook. In 2005, I was convinced he could wear a blind fold and still win 15% of his races.

JD Bailey was simply brilliant and likely the best all-around jockey I've seen. Here is what I think of him - if he rode Silver Charm, Real Quiet, War Emblem, Funny Cide, or Big Brown in the Belmont - with the Triple Crown at stake - at least 3 of those horses would be Triple Crown champs. The guy was a master...

Chris MCarron, on the turf, was incomparable...

How can you not inclue Chris McCarron, Pat Valenzuela, and Mike Smith.  Take a look at their Breeder's Cup stats, and subsquent ROI on racing's marquee card - the biggest day of the year.

First, I'm from Idaho... so you'd think I'd promote Gary Stevens as the greatest jockey of all time!  But, the greatest - and, I do mean greatest...he'll be known as that in the end, GOGO Garrett Gomez!

He's unbelievable in the stretch - strong and cerebral!

One race, one jock - Give me GoGo!

RE: "Rising Stars".....Rafael Bejarano is a real rising star and he also has "star appeal", in other words, I hope racing can reach out to the "hep" "smart" young crowd by marketing its "Hep/Smart" athletes---this is a thinking man's sport well worth putting "out there"---I've been hearing a lot about the Sport Of Kings on The Jim Rome radio show--Racing HAS to realize it's sporting treasure--I mean really see that racing at its core has its own dynamic! As a sport, Racing stands on it's own pure merit and Racing always has! Thru seeming decades of slow decline, The Call To The Post/Post Parade remains as dignified and deliberate as it ever has--and I mean ANYWHERE--Portland Meadows to Timbuktu---Racing has stood on it's own BECAUSE: Racing is that good---'would love to see Racing promoted as that ...cool, thinking man's sport---as it has always been---the Sport Of Kings is still there---as are the fans---SHOW them what this sport is all about and you'll find one another.

I have to actually agree with Wanda, Prado probably the jockey I look for most days,of the up and coming really like watching Tyler Baze great speed rider and has great timing,love Mike Smith on a turf longshot,,,still think Bailey one of the recent best at putting his horse in the best spot to win.....But lets not forget some overseas jockeys Dettori,Fallon,Kinane and even Eddery and Lester Piggott himself one of the best in a tight finish ever....my favourite jockey back in the early 90's in the UK before I came the Canada was a South African Micheal Roberts.....great question Jason could be here all week

Garrett of course. His Dad Louis used to ride for us,in the late 60's early 70's. Remember when he had a very bad injury.

Olivier Peslier. wins everywhere everything.

1. McCarron

2. Pincay

3. Delahoussaye

4. Bailey

5. Toro

6. Shoemaker

7. Don Pierce

8. Bill Hartack

9. Longden

10. Jacinto Vasquez

John Velasquez used to be my favorite but he seems to not be his self this year. Albarado is the hottest jock and Shaun seems to have jumped leaps and bounds this year, but it seems any jock that rides for Asmussen is hot. But I believe by far the most amazing jock this year has to be Early Fires. How old is this guy? 60? He is tearing up Arlington and he is eligible for AARP benefits. If you are 60 and still riding like that you belong in the hall of fame. I just hope he retires healthy. Go old guy Go!

Prado is the best active jock hands down.  Gives his horse a chance to win every time and gets the job done.   Watch the replay of the Kitten's Joy Stakes from Colonial Downs.  He gets the win just by putting his hands down on the horse's neck to get him to extend at the wire.  Absolute master and he takes care of his horses too.  Kent D. is good when he just rides and keeps his mouth shut.  No doubt that he totally blew the Belmont and still won't admit it.

  Johnny V is good but not in Edgar's league.  Got big numbers when Pletcher was hot. Has been outridden by Prado and others lately.

  Gomez is good but has a temper which sometimes gets in the way of race riding.

   Ramon D. used to be one of the best but seeems to also have a temper problem at times which compromises his rides.

    Mikey Smith is very good too, probably better than a lot of the ones you have on the list.

   Saez and Garcia look to be the best newcomers.  Garcia is very good with the horses and rides a smart race.  Saez is learning fast and has a lot of talent.

  Two top female jocks are Rosie Naprovnik and Katie Crews.  Crews is an apprentice at Colnial and really places her horses well and they run for her.  Rosie is as good as they get.

What's this about Emma-Jane Wilson.  She's a 10%-11% winning jocky at best.  Sure she has her moments but so do a lot of other journeymen/women jockies.  She's tried other venues in NA besides Woodbine - namely the FairGrounds.  Her 10% winning Pct. held up ther too.  As far as Woodbine, there are a lot of jockies who can get the job done, but you won't see a name trainer import one of them to ride a horse in an important race.  They're all over-rated.

Great article for debate, however, most people have a tendency to select riders they either see frequently or with a regional bias. It's always difficult to compare eras in any sport but horse racing may be one of the fairest if you exclude money winnings since the purse structure of today would be completely unfair to the older riders. Having been in the business and witnessed the top jocks for over 55 years, here is my opinion.

TOP 10 ALL TIME

1> HARTACK

2> PINCAY

3> ARCARO

4> CORDERO

5> McCARRON

6> SHOEMAKER

7> BAILEY

8> PRADO

9> LONGDEN

10>STEVENS

No offense to Russel Baze who must be a tremendously fine rider, but he does not compete on center stage.

TOP 10 CURRENTLY

1> PRADO

2> J.VELAZQUEZ

3> GOMEZ

4> DESORMEAUX

5> ALBARADO

6> CASTELLANO

7> C.VELASQUEZ

8> BEJARANO

9> SMITH

10>FLORES

One notable exeception is Patrick Valenzuela who unfortunately would make either list on his ability. An absolutely great rider - what a waste of given talent.

Thanks steveuk for giving a nod to Lester Piggott.  He must have won races in more than 20 countries. I can't forget his BC turf win with Royal Academy.  Superb timing!

Jerry Bailey was terific too.

Steveuk30ca thanks for the compliment(I think).What I meant to say is that some of these good riders when they get a little age on them ride less,but still get calls on the good ones. Shoemaker and Bailey are two examples of riders who managed their book very well when they got older, but they had really good agents.

In Edgar We Trust Prado-- talk about consistently giving his mount the best trip possible. Will now always be remembered as part of Team Barbaro, and indeed, the job he did pulling up an adrerliane-charged horse soon after the start of the Preakness likely the best piece of riding I will ever see.

Do not understand why Eibar Coa doesn't seem to get his due. Leparoux sure a nice chilly rider and wise in the saddle well beyond his young years.

Want a couple of diamonds in the rough-- both female? There is an apprentice up at your old stomping grounds, Jason-- Phildelphia Park, named Sandi Dorr who shows real promise, and Natasha Bracaloni from Frederick, MD seems to have the right head for riding in the big-time. Time will tell.

1. EARL SANDE 2. EDDIE ACARRO  3. GOEORG WOLFE   4 SANDY HAWLEY  5 WILLIE SHOEMAKER   6  JOHN LONGDEN   7. LONNIE RAY    8. S GARRISON  9 ISSAC MURFEY  10. S CAUTHEN

I was just thinking the same thing.  Gomez on top followed by Bejarano (based off performances in Graded Stakes)

Here is an interesting twist, and I know a lot of people will disagree but here goes.

1. Edgar Prado-All class and horses perform well for him.  

2. Robby Albarado-Ride Curlin, and you get a mention.  

3. Gabriel Saez-His rides this year on Eight Belles and Proud Spell were spectacular.

4. Kent Desourmeux-Has been one of the top for a while now, and just broke 5,000.  Glad to see it was before the Haskell!

5. John Velazquez-The go-to rider for Pletcher won the Belmont and Breeders' Cup Turf as well as countless other top-class races last year

6. Mario Pino-Just like him, that's all.  And he rode Hard Spun well...

7. Fernando Jara-Haven't heard from him in a while, but he rode Invasor to wins in the Breeders' Cup Classic, the Donn Handicap, and the Dubai World Cup

8. Garret Gomez-Would be higher, but his ride on Hard Spun last year drops him WAY down on my list...

9. Sean Bridgmhan-Rode my favorite filly, Rated Fiesty last year (anyone know what happened to her??), and won many of the 2 year old races for Steve Assmussen

10. Alan Garcia-Won the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf last year on Lahudood, and I believe he became the youngest jockey ever to win a Breeders' Cup race.  Please, correct me if I'm wrong, though.

jerry bailey was and will always be the best of all time.  he retired on top and will remain there. His 26 grade1 wins in 2003 are unprecendented and NO ONE will touch that record.(not to mention the seven eclipse awards).  All the major trainers in the country wanted his services and he rarely disappointed wether it was flying to the west coast for baffert or dominating saratoga with mott and frankel.  He was not only smarter than all the other riders, he had the guts and admittedly the horses to make it happen.  If you wanna see a perfectly timed ride go to youtube and look at his ride on Beat Hollow in the Arlington Million.  Or for evidence of his courage check out You in the Test Stakes ... I wont even get into Cigar.  End of Discussion

You come off sounding a little bitter against riders Walter.Any rider that shows guts and determination in my book gets the thumbs up.Check out her ride at Woodbine on the weekend, beat a very nice horse to do it.I didn't say she should be on the top 10 list,I said in MY opinion she's underated and I think she could ride just about anywhere and make a living. If you read Jason's comments again he talks about this.

how about for most underrated jockeys Jose Lezcano right now.  People from NJ still talk about Bravo, and I don't think 80% of the people at Monmouth could tell you that Lezcano is on his way to the riding title.  He is a rising star.

Wonder what the earnings total would be on Willie Shoemaker by todays standards.

I agree with everyone who said Edgar is on top. He truly does win them when they count. If I remember he had what...three choices for the Derby!? He is my all time favorite hands down. I think Julien Leparoux will have a good second half of the year, I hear his name popping up more and more...

In 2years It will be all about jose lezcano!

ALL I KNOW IS KENT D. + DRAMATIC GOLD MADE ME ALOT OF $$$$$!

TOP TEN ACTIVE JOCKEYS IN THE WORLD

DIRT

Garret Gomez

Edgar Prado

Rafael Bejarano

John Velazquez

Cornelio Velazquez

Ramon Dominguez

Javier Castelleno

Eibar Coa

Julien Leparoux

Jorge Ricardo (Brazil)

TURF

Frankie Dettori

Michael Kinane

Kierren Fallon

Oliver peslier

Soumillon

J reid

R. Hughes

Richard Hills

G.Mousse

Javier Castelleno/Brice Blanc

Mike Smith is an incredible rider.  He should be on everyone's list.  Mike Smith is also a guy who will develop a horse with you.

I think some riders fit certain horses which come into play-"strong riders" as opposed to "touch" (Shoemaker-my pick as best all time-because  was definitely a touch rider as was Day-horses just wanted run for them-Shoe had better clock and sense for the set up of a race in his head)

Confidence plays a major role and those going well instill it in their rides/horses

There is very little between about 60 riders today as we have a number of good riders-many at lesser tracks who you would not lose a length to main list.

If I had to pick one it would be "Prado" followed by "Gomez or Bejarano" but if he/they chose another horse their would be 50 I would feel confidant about riding there are soooo many good ones out there now. Garcia and Leparoux are certainly looking to be the future and many could be named as well for the next 10 yrs of the game.

How much would you lose with Gryder, Elliot, or Luzzi for 3 off the top of my head? They make very good livings but I wouldn't put them in the top ten or twenty---but riding a good horse they and many others would get the job done---maybe you lose a neck to Prado and Gomez but certainly not much more.

I also would chose a rider who rides the track or horse regularly rather than change to a big name for a race lets say like the Virgina, Penn. or Colonial Derbies. If you were racing in N CA and didn't ride Baze ---you should be shot for importing a rider that never rode the horse.

TOP 5 EVER

1  SHOEMAKER-Horses just ran for him

2  PINCAY-Strongest finisher, touch, fearless

3  McCARRON -Great touch, finish, scared horses into running-even if the went wide

4  BAILEY-all the talents of great riders, but was probably best combo of each if not the best in any

5  HAWLEY (at his peak)Another McCarron prized by foreign trainers shipping to the US for big races

The same could be said of Santos,Desormeax and others who when at their were was the best rider in the country for a period.

Arcaro and Longdens bobbing seat would not make it today but doesn't diminish their greatness in their era.

TOP 5 CURRENT

first 3 interchangeable  

1  PRADO

2  GOMEZ

3  BEJARANO

4  DOMINGUEZ (great touch and strong but seems to get horses in trouble when he rides against the best-his touch matches Day's)

5  GARCIA-yes I think he is that good now.

Who ever Ron Anderson is agent for will look good. This was the case in Canada when Colin Wick was agent for them 5 consecutive leading riders which amounted to about 30 years of him having the top jock there Fitzsimmons, Hawley, Fell et.. He just got them the best horses to match their talents.

Here is my list of all time Cajun Jocks. Ill Son Part Ti.!!!

1.Eddie Delahoussaye-6389 wins

2.Ronald Ardoin-5226 wins

3.Mark Guidry-5043 wins

4.Kent Desormeaux-5000 wins

5.Calvin Borel-4501 wins

6.Randy Romero-4294 wins

7.Ray Sibille-4264 wins

8.Shane Shellers-4069 wins

9.Robby Albarado-3794 wins

10.Steve Bourque-3789 wins

10 jockeys-Over 40,000 wins total, all that were born and raised with-in 30 miles of each other!!!!

For a rider to watch how can you not list jose lezcano?He is currently undressing jersey joe bravo at monmouth.A FEAT NO ONE HAS DONE IN SOME 13 YEARS.

1.) Go-Go

2.) John Velasquez

3.) Edgar Prado

4.) Bejerano

5.) Mike Smith

6.) Desormeaux

7.) Eibar Coa

8.) Javier Castellano

9.) Joe Talamo

10.) Michael Baze

Honorable Mention

Russel Baze

Underrated

1.) Gabriel Saez

2.) Miguel Mena

3.) Elvis Trujillo

4.) Alan Garcia

5.) Joel Rosario

Honarable Mention

cornelio Velasquez

Jeremy Rose

Overrated

1.) Leparoux

2.) Ramon Dominguez

3.) Calvin Borel

4.) Robby Albarado

5.) Rajiv  

Prado is tops.  I can always count on him to give the best ride possible.

Up and coming HAS to be Saez.  He is young, smart, and has good instincts.

Our riders here are so bad that looking at the lists makes me drool with envy-I would be thrilled as a trainer to have some of them on board, but as a fan to just be able to watch them daily would be well worth the price of admission!

That said, sometimes you just get a favorite.  Doesn't really matter if he/she has 4000 wins or 40.  I am huge fan of Richard Migliore because I have heard so many young riders say they learned a ton from him.  He didn't just tell them what they did wrong, he told them what they did right.  Our jocks would never tell a kid what they did right-it might take money out of their pockets.  I would give anything to have Migs mount up on one of my horses!  

My other sentimental choice, just by virtue of being a decent human being is Tanner Riggs.  He's a big kid that won't be riding for too much longer, but he is a great kid!  He listens, he tries hard and he works his butt off.  I only wish he was 5'2" and 110!  Oh yeah, the kid is real horseman.  How many riders on the lists can say that?

Nobody rides a front-runner better than Chop Chop. I don't know why he's getting so few mounts at Saratoga.

Brazilian jockey Jorge Ricardo is on top of the world leading wins record in history with 10,284 up to July 28th.  55 wins ahead of Russell Baze.

It's great that you make a list of jockeys riding in North America, but I beleive any such kind of list should always include the only two riders who are still on their way to be the one holding the world record.

Phil; props for mentioning Lezcano. He's amazing and rising fast.

Hey Wanda.  Hope you're having a good day.  I'm not bitter about race riders in general.  I've followed racing very intently since the early sixties.  As far as the great riders of our time and of previous times that have been mentioned throughout the comments regarding this article, I agree with most of them and I think that there are probably any where from ten to twenty more that could be included.  As far as Emma-Jane Wilson I think she's OK too, in fact I've won and lost money betting on horses she's ridden and I have no complaint.  But she shouldn't be mentioned on this page, not even close to it.

solis on breeders cup day 2003, migliore any day

Lester "Machine Gun" Piggot was the best, no one could or can "lift" a horse the last 50 yards like he could. Some one mentiond Bailys 26 Grade 1's, but what aboout Piggots 30 Classic wins in England alone, you can add French and Irish Classics to that.

BAEZA BAEZA BAEZA NONE BETTER IN HIS DAY,,HE COULD RIDE THE SKIRT OFF CORDERO, AND DO IT CLEAN

Chase-- thanks for highlighting Mario Pino--

and I agree with you about the rides he gave Hard Spun, to include the heat he took from the owner, Rick Porter, after the Preakness trip. Any chance Hard Spun had of winning the Belmont flew right out the window when Porter had Larry Jones take him out of the saddle. Note how classy Pino was when Porter made that bonehead move. That's Mario- a classy horseman, period.

Would have no hesitation placing this battle-tested veteran on the back of my horse for any race, any where (yes, Rick, I think Pino could have somehow managed to navigate those sweeping Belmont turns and the distance).

It's only been post-Eight Belles that Porter has shown me that addition to an ego that knows no bounds, that he is also a quality owner who "gets it" from a horse and fan persepctive. Guess you cannot expect too much from a guy who made his multi-millions counting the profits made from selling cars at franchises inherited from his Father/Grandfather :-)

As mentioned there are about 60 riders I think are great at this time

WHO WOULD YOU NOT BET ON OR RIDE?

I have very few

In CA I find G F Almeida impossible to bet---In fairness he never gets decent mounts.

In Canada (ON)- Dave Piques--whips from start to finish (in contention or not) often loses the action of a horse doing so and blows turns.

These guys don't ride many horses for obvious reasons-and many a jockey blew rides but come back the next with a great ride. I could mention more but I will watch other posts----These 2 I actually will throw out or pass the race even if I love the horse.

Now to other posts about GREAT RIDERS

Although I didn't rate two fantastic riders on top CORDERO OR BAILEY

I WOULD WATCH THEM IN A EARLY RACE FOR BETTING PURPOSES ON A SLOPPY TRACK TO SEE WHERE THEY PUT A HORSE----IT WAS ALWAYS WHERE THE BEST PART WAS.

They would walk the track or take their horses around beforehand often to learn and put in the extra effort which made them great.

cajun jockey fan,

that kind of talent within a 30 mile radius must be inbred. either that or they get it from the wild hogs they all "rode". some great jocks on your list. i can't recall how many times i cheered as eddie d spanked another winner home for me.

I am remembering Alex Maese, who rode mostly in CA, and was injured at Bay Meadows in 1981.  That injury ended his long career.  He had a great work ethic, steady and dependable.

I'm okay Walter hope things are good for you today. I know it's off the subject Jason but I just read they retired Lava Man.The trainer said he wants to try him as a pony horse. Good for him I hope he enjoys it.

Wow, where is Braulio Baeza, Manny Ycaza, Milo Valenzuela, and Johhny Rotz? 4 of the all time greats.

My list...........

1. Willie Shoemaker

2. William Hartack

3. Laffit Pincay

4. Eddie Arcaro

5. Johnny Longden

6. Braulio Baeza

7. (Tie) Jerry Bailey, Sandy Hawley, Gary Stevens, and Chris McCarron.

8. Manny Ycaza

9. Jacinto Vasquez

10. Pat Day

Honorable Mention: George Wolfe, Jorge Velasquez, Robert Ussery, Ray York, Tommy Barrow, Walter Blum, Milo Valenzuela, and Fernando Toro.

Thanks Jason I'd love to read about that. A couple of questions about his temperment etc would be great cause if the trainer thinks he'll make a pony horse he must be a cool dude.He's a good looking horse and let me tell you it's always nice to be mounted on a pretty one rather than an ugly one!

Jason,

I'm not in much disagreement with your top 10 actives list. After that and possibly another 5-10 the talent level does certainly level off.

I am surprised at the lack of mention of Angel Cordero Jr. from those who have gone beyond the question of who is the best today and included their all-time favorites. He certainly rates great consideration.

That being said an all-time list can be argued as much as your top ten list for horses that you previously blogged.

Deacon I was pleased to see you include Sandy Hawley in your all-time list. I had the pleasure of watching him duel Mike Smith for the Jockey Title back in the Canterbury Downs days. That was towards the end of his career and the start of Mike Smith's but what a rider he was.

Wanda-

Funny Cide making a fine pony horse for Barclay Tagg, so we can only hope this proves to be a suitable next career for Lava Man as well.

Jason-

Hope your interview of connections goes all the way back to include Dr. Kim and Eve Kuhulmann, the breeders of Lava Man, Eve naming him after a triathlon run in Hawaii.

Sign.  Picking the top 10 is a bit like picking the Trifecta.  It's difficult enough to pick the winner, no? LOL!

Pick just one, riding today, and I'd likely go for Mr. Prado.

As for some of the comments ....

MG - as an ex-pat NY'er, I'm so pleased to see someone other than myself think, 'Angel, angel ...'.  Love him, or hate him, he was an excellent - if a bit controversial in some of his methodoligy - jock.

Hialeah Forever -  Mr. Cauthen, a gentleman, always.  It made perfect sense, that he left the States for GB ... and not just because of weight assignments.  How anyone could compile a list, and not include Mr. Cauthen, is beyond my understanding.

"Shoe had better clock and sense for the set up of a race in his head" .... Hmmmm.  Still, I hear his name, and think of Gallant Man, before I think of S'Bid.  Yes, I know - Act 3, Scene 2 .... "The evil that men do lives after them, The good is oft interred with their bones ..."

Dreamers Mom - "Richard Migliore because I have heard so many young riders say they learned a ton from him.  He didn't just tell them what they did wrong, he told them what they did right" - Pleased to see Mr. Migliore mentioned, too!  A gentleman, and a scholar - and a good judge of  ...

"BAEZA NONE BETTER IN HIS DAY,,HE COULD RIDE THE SKIRT OFF CORDERO, AND DO IT CLEAN"  (rotf,lmho! - see 'controversial methodoligy', above ... lol!)  And yes, Mr. Baeza is on my list, for sure.

But, as JSH was looking for 'active', I'd say Mr. Prado.  Trying to go further, with the list, just makes my head spin (or maybe that was the martini ....).

Pat Valenzuela's name will forever be attached to Sunday Silence and his ride in the Preakness.  "Pat Day tried to screw me the whole way around and couldn't do it!" (Pat V.).  

Judging from what's posted here I'd have to say Corey Nakatani is massively underrated.

Also, there was a stretch of years when P-Val was absolutely the greatest and in the top five historically along with Bill Hartack, Eddie Arcaro, Angel Cordero and Pat Day.

If you do the math and consider only riders with over 4000 wins, and if go by percentage. Avelino Gomez is the best for wins/ 2nds and 3rds. The riders of today have too many tracks to pick from. Back in the day, there were less places to hide.

who is russel baze never heard of him

what about BRALIO BAEZA. GIVE ME A BREAK1111

I will always love steve bourque I think he was great in his days...dont know if he still rides or not ne 1 know if so where at?

The 2009 Belmont win by Kent Desormeaux convinced me that he without a doubt one of the greatest riders of all time. His patience with Summer Bird and his understanding of the Belmont racing surface made for one of the finest rides by a jockey in a triple crown race. His talents have always been there, it just took this race to show the world what a talented and skillful rider he had become over the years. Kent Desormeaux is a racing legend in the making.

All the jockeys that has been listed are really great riders. But we all know that it takes a really great agent that has the right connections to make a really great rider. And we all know that there are a lot of excellent riders who are struggling at the smaller tracks hoping that someone will finally see their hidden talents. Let me tell you about one particular rider who rides at the smaller tracks but truly has the talent to be a big track rider. His name is Azael De Leon. He graduated first in the Lafitt Pincay Jockey School in Panama. In his class also was Jose Lezcano, Eddie Castro and Fernando Jara. Everyone knows who they are im sure. But how can a rider like De Leon get left behind and the other riders go forward?  They rode their bug in united states first of all and second they hooked up with the right connections. But if there is someone that truly is smart about horse racing he will get noticed one of these days. He has the patience most riders dont have, he knows where he is going to place his horse before and during the race. This kid truly knows what he is doing. If hes on a long shot you better put him in your exactas and trifectas because he will make you some money. He rides at hoosier, indiana downs, river downs, beulah park and turfway park.  Keep your eye out for him. The kid needs an agent. An agent that hook him up with the right trainers. If he gets with the right agent you will soon see he can ride with the big boys he may even teach them a lesson or two! So if there is anyone that knows someone that will give him a shot. Shoot me an e-mail. AZAEL DE LEON IS THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN RACING.