Top riders from all over showing up at Kentucky Downs

FRANKLIN, Ky. – With the 2018 summer meets at Saratoga and Del Mar coming to an end, some of the top jockeys at those high-profile tracks can be expected to make upcoming appearances at Kentucky Downs.

Among the riders named on Thursday mounts are Jose Ortiz, the reigning Eclipse Award winner; and Drayden Van Dyke, who led the Del Mar standings into Monday, closing day.

Other top riders from New York and California were expected to be named when entries were taken Tuesday and Wednesday for the two huge weekend cards at this turf-only track. The Saturday card includes five stakes, led by the annual showcase, the $750,000 Kentucky Turf Cup, while the Sunday card is led by twin stakes for 3-year-olds, the $400,000 Dueling Grounds Derby and $300,000 Dueling Grounds Oaks.

Brad Pegram, agent for Van Dyke and Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith, said Monday from California that Van Dyke intends to ride the remaining four days of the Kentucky Downs meet. Smith will be here Thursday as part of a pre-arranged autograph session in conjunction with the Old Friends festivities, but will not be accepting mounts.

Jimmy Riccio, agent for Ortiz, said the jockey also will ride all four remaining days when missing the two weekend cards at Belmont Park.

“Jose really enjoyed riding there last year and obviously the money is tough to pass up,” Riccio said.