Churchill: Gaffalione clinches rider title ahead of closing Sunday

Tyler Gaffalione entered Sunday’s closing day of racing at the Churchill Downs fall meet having already clinched his 11th leading rider title, securing 26 wins with one day of racing remaining at the 21-day stand.

Gaffalione had an insurmountable lead over second place Luis Saez, who had 19 wins. He was followed by Florent Geroux and Edgar Morales, who were tied at 12 wins.

“I love it here in Kentucky,” Gaffalione said. “It’s a blessing with how successful we’ve been, and I’m so thankful for everyone who’s helped me get to the place we are today.”

Represented by Matt Muzikar, Gaffalione’s mounts have earned $2,675,696 in purse money. Some of his notable victories at the meet were aboard Intricate in the Grade 2, $400,000 Golden Rod, Youalmosthadme in the Fern Creek and Wicked Halo in the Dream Supreme.

Gaffalione will head south to ride at Gulfstream Park this winter.

In the leading trainer race, Steve Asmussen began Sunday with a narrow 17-16 win lead over Brad Cox, with Asmussen having 12 horses entered and Cox with six.

Rigney Racing made a three-win surge in the last three days of racing to tie with Gary and Mary West at six overall victories. Rigney had two horses entered Sunday, and Gary and Mary West had one. The only two owners who could tie Gary and Mary West and Rigney Racing on Sunday were Godolphin and Steve Asmussen, both with entries in three races.