Gaffalione, Asmussen win Churchill Downs riding, training titles

Churchill Downs news release
Photo: Jessica Morgan / Eclipse Sportswire

Tyler Gaffalione was the leading rider of the 21-day fall meet at Churchill Downs with 26 trips to the winner’s circle, his 11th title at the track. Luis Saez was second with 20 wins.

Gaffalione clinched the title early with four wins on Saturday.

Steve Asmussen edged Brad Cox for leading trainer honors, 19 wins to 17, for his record-extending 27th local leading trainer crown.

Richard Rigney’s Rigney Racing was the leading owner at Churchill Downs for a fourth time, with seven wins from 19 starters and purse earnings of $868,307. That was one win more than Gary and Mary West’s six victories.

Racing on the Kentucky circuit will shift north to Turfway Park in Florence from Wednesday at 5:55 p.m. EST through March 30 on a Wednesday-Saturday schedule. The first day of the 2024 spring meet at Churchill Downs is Saturday, April 27, which kicks off Kentucky Derby week.

Read More

Zipse: New memories mix with old at the home of the Del ’Cap
Wilmington, Del. One of my favorite racetracks to visit as a young fan, I’ve always had great memories...
Jockeys, trainer show solidarity with suspended Paco López
While riders across the country lined up to say the six-month federal suspension given to jockey Paco López...
Mystik Dan fights through traffic to win Lukas Classic
Kentucky Derby 2024 winner Mystik Dan returned to the Churchill Downs winner’s circle for the fourth time but...
Rebel’s Romance cruises to dominant win in Joe Hirsch
Godolphin’s Ireland homebred Rebel’s Romance made a strong early move and still had plenty in reserve for a...
Woodbine fair odds: Behold Magic of long shot in Breeders’
Tom’s Magic ran so well in the King’s Plate that it is hard to believe the Justify colt...