These graded-stakes winners had the most victories in 2021
Letruska took the racing world by storm, beginning with her upset of Monomoy Girl and Swiss Skydiver in the Grade 1 Apple Blossom.
That was one of six victories in 2021 for the Super Saver mare – the most of any graded-stakes winners this year.
The wins came with three different jockeys: Irad Ortiz Jr. in the Apple Blossom, the Personal Ensign (G1) and the Spinster (G1); Jose Ortiz in the Ogden Phipps (G1) and the Fleur de Lis (G2); and Jesus Castanon in her first race (and win) of the year in the Houston Ladies Classic (G3).
Three graded winners were tied for second place, with five wins apiece:
• Knicks Go (Joel Rosario aboard for all)
• Going Global (Flavien Prat for all)
• Essential Quality (Luis Saez for all)
Rounding out the top 10 are these six with four wins:
• War Like Goddess (Julien Leparoux for all)
• Shedaresthedevil (Florent Geroux for all)
• Maxfield (Jose Ortiz for three, Geroux for one)
• Life Is Good (Mike Smith for two, Irad Ortiz for two)
• Jackie's Warrior (Joel Rosario for all)
• Gamine (John Velazquez for all)
The lineup for the top 10 earners of the year looks a bit different.
| Horse | Record | Earnings | Biggest payday (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knicks Go | 6: 5-0-0 | $5,824,140 | Breeders' Cup Classic - $3.12 million |
| Medina Spirit | 9: 4-4-1 | $3,520,000 | Kentucky Derby - $1.86 million |
| Essential Quality | 7: 5-0-1 | $3,420,000 | Belmont Stakes - $800,000 |
| Yibir | 2: 2-0-0 | $2,615,000 | Breeders' Cup Turf - $2.08 million |
| Hot Rod Charlie | 8: 2-2-2 | $2,127,500 | Louisiana Derby - $610,000 |
| Letruska | 8: 6-1-0 | $1,945,540 | Apple Blossom - $600,000 |
| Silver State | 7: 4-1-1 | $1,693,000 | Oaklawn Handicap - $600,000 |
| Malathaat | 5: 3-1-1 | $1,563,000 | Kentucky Oaks - $713,000 |
| Mandaloun | 6: 3-1-1 | $1,560,000 | Kentucky Derby, Haskell - $600,000 |
| Maxfield | 7: 4-2-1 | $1,512,000 | Clark Stakes - $450,910 |