Brian Hernandez Jr.

Brian Hernandez Jr. is a Thoroughbred jockey recognized for his achievements in horse racing. Hernandez began riding professionally at Delta Downs in Louisiana, securing his first win at the track. He started galloping horses at age 12, balancing his early riding career with high school by exercising horses in the mornings and competing at night. In his early years, Hernandez won 243 races and received the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey.

Hernandez built a reputation as a skilled big-race rider, including riding Rachel Alexandra to two wins in her first five starts. He gained national attention by winning the Breeders' Cup Classic aboard Fort Larned at Santa Anita Park. That same year, he earned his first Grade 1 win in the Whitney at Saratoga, achieved his 1,000th career victory at Ellis Park Race Course, and capped the season with the Breeders' Cup Classic title. Hernandez later reached his 2,000th win at Fair Grounds Race Course.

A career highlight occurred at Churchill Downs, where Hernandez won both the Longines Kentucky Oaks with Thorpedo Anna and the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve with Mystik Dan. He became the ninth jockey in history, and the first since Calvin Borel, to win both the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby in the same year. Hernandez rode Mystik Dan to a narrow win, edging out competitors in a three-horse photo finish. He has surpassed $20 million in mount earnings and ranked among the top jockeys nationally.

Hernandez has also been recognized for his sportsmanship and character, receiving the Mike Venezia Memorial Award from the New York Racing Association. The award honors a jockey who demonstrates extraordinary sportsmanship and citizenship in the horse racing industry.

Hernandez's career has included overcoming adversity, such as recovering from injuries sustained in a fall during a race at Churchill Downs. The son of a jockey, Hernandez has spoken about understanding the risks of horse racing from a young age. His resilience and dedication have defined his career in Thoroughbred racing.