Kentucky Derby 2025 jockey Joel Rosario: Meet the rider of the horse Tiztastic
Twenty-seven jockeys have won the Kentucky Derby at least twice.
When Joel Rosario claimed victory in the Run for the Roses aboard Orb in 2013, the native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, seemed all but certain to join them.
Yet, while putting up a Hall of Fame career overall, the 40-year-old Rosario will enter the 2025 Kentucky Derby still looking for what has become an elusive second win in the Run for the Roses.
In 2022, Rosario seemed to have his second Kentucky Derby victory within sight. Aboard Epicenter, Rosario had his horse in front deep into the stretch.
But roughly two jumps before the finish line, Rosario and Epicenter were passed by the long-shot Rich Strike, who roared down the rail to claim a Kentucky Derby win no one saw coming.
On Saturday, Rosario will ride Louisiana Derby winner Tiztastic in the 151st renewal of the Kentucky Derby for trainer Steve Asmussen — who also conditioned Epicenter.
Both rider and trainer would likely see it as poetic justice if the Derby gods smiled on them this time.
Without question, Rosario has put together an overall career worthy of being a multiple Derby winner.
Rosario has won 16 Breeders’ Cup races. He has twice won the Belmont Stakes. In 2021, he won the Eclipse Award as North America’s Outstanding Jockey.
Most impressively, he was inducted in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2024.
It is that second Kentucky Derby triumph that has proven hard to get.
If form holds Saturday, Rosario will get Tiztastic into contention. Out of 13 Derby trips, Rosario has booted his horse to a top-five finish eight times.
As much as winning a second Kentucky Derby might mean to Rosario, giving trainer Asmussen his first Derby win after the near miss with Epicenter might be as special to the jockey.
“I can’t say more thank to him for everything,” Rosario told Twin Spires of Asmussen. “He gave me opportunity when I really needed it. Steve is a wonderful person.”
Here are the things you need to know about Rosario:
▪ Kentucky Derby history: Out of 13 prior rides, he won in 2013 on Orb and was second in 2022 on Epicenter.
▪ Other Triple Crown races: Has twice won the Belmont Stakes, on Tonalist in 2014 and Sir Winston in 2019. Also has a second and three thirds in the Belmont. Has been second in the Preakness Stakes three times and third once.
▪ Breeders’ Cup results: Has 16 career wins, including wins in the Classic in 2018 aboard Accelerate and 2021 on Knicks Go.
▪ Career honors: Won Eclipse Award as North America’s Outstanding Jockey in 2021. Was inducted in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2024.
