'Many things' to like about Kentucky Downs titlist Gaffalione

Franklin, Ky.

When Amalfi Princess crossed the wire in the seventh race Sunday at Kentucky Downs, the filly represented the first 2021 win at the track for Tyler Gaffalione, who won last year's jockey title at the European-style turf course. Gaffalione credited his success to one major factor.

“Good horses,” he said.

“Traveling uphill, it’s good to keep a hold of them, help them out a little,” Gaffalione said. “When you’re going downhill, give them their head, help them gain momentum that way.”

Gaffalione is set to return at Kentucky Downs on Wednesday with nine mounts, including Forty Under in one of the two divisions of the Tapit Stakes.

The turf Sunday was downgraded throughout the day, beginning as firm, then dropping from good to yielding by the end of the card. The change seemed to favor horses coming from behind in some of the shorter races, but the winner of the Dueling Grounds Derby, Accredit, ran in first for the entire 1 5/16-mile event.

Gaffalione explained how the changes to the track impacted his rides.

“Horses really weren’t getting a hold of it,” Gaffalione said. “They were traveling while on the bridle, but as soon as you let them off, they were kind of digging into it.”

The 26-year-old jockey who grew up in Florida is a third-generation rider after his father Steve and grandfather Bobby. He began his own riding career at Gulfstream Park, winning the Eclipse Award for apprentice jockey in 2015.

He said his family was supportive of his decision to pursue riding as a career.

“My dad was all for it,” Gaffalione said. “He never pushed me to do it, but when I made the decision, he just supported me and gave me all the confidence.”

Since beginning his riding career, Gaffalione has quickly found himself aboard some excellent horses, including a large contingent trained by Hall of Famer Mark Casse. Gaffalione won the 2019 Preakness Stakes for Casse aboard War of Will.

Gaffalione has several rides for Casse throughout the Kentucky Downs meet, including Got Stormy in the Turf Sprint on Saturday, a race he pointed to as one he is particularly excited for.

“There’s just so many things I like about Tyler,” Casse said. “He’s just a positive guy. … Those are the kind of people you want to deal with and be around.”

Casse said he was impressed with Gaffalione from the beginning.

“He did tremendous in south Florida as a bug boy,” Casse said. “I kind of think of him as the next John Velazquez, because we’ve had a lot of success with Johnny as well. But he’s just a strong rider, a great guy. I can’t say enough good things about him.”

One of Gaffalione’s greatest strengths is his versatility, according to Casse, who said he will use the jockey in any situation.

“I don’t think you can pinpoint him to one thing,” Casse said. “He’s good on the lead, he’s good on a horse coming from out of it, he’s good on the turf. He’s just good.”

After the Kentucky Downs meet ends Sunday, Gaffalione will continue to compete on the Kentucky circuit at Churchill Downs and Keeneland. With 38 wins in the spring meet, he earned his fourth consecutive jockey title under the twin spires, and fifth overall.

He has also won three titles at Keeneland.

“I love Saratoga. It’s a treat getting to ride there,” Gaffalione said. “But Kentucky is my home now, and I feel so comfortable here. It’s nice to be back.”

Gaffalione, who said some of his biggest influences in the sport included Irad Ortiz Jr. and Joel Rosario, pointed at winning the Kentucky Derby as one of his long-term goals in the sport. The Run for the Roses was not his only goal.

“I’d love to win the Florida Derby as well,” he said. “That’s my hometown race, and it would mean a lot. And hopefully to get into the Hall of Fame. That would be ideal.”