In the vibrant world of Kentucky's thoroughbred racing, two trainers emerged as leaders in victories during the 2024 season. Steve Asmussen and Brad Cox each secured an impressive 96 wins across nine meets held at five prominent racetracks within the state. This remarkable achievement highlights their dominance and underscores the competitive spirit of Kentucky's racing circuit.

The performance of these trainers was nothing short of stellar. Asmussen, a Hall of Famer, achieved approximately 24% of his overall North American victories in Kentucky, while Cox claimed about 41% of his seasonal wins in his home state. Asmussen's horses were entered in an astounding 670 races last year, leading to meet titles at Churchill Downs (spring and fall), Ellis Park (tied with Brendan Walsh), and Kentucky Downs (tied with Walsh and Joe Sharp). Meanwhile, Cox clinched titles at Churchill’s September meet and Keeneland’s fall meet after entering 368 starters throughout the year.

Equibase data also revealed that Luan Machado took the lead among jockeys with 142 wins, narrowly surpassing Tyler Gaffalione's 139 victories. Machado's consistent performance earned him the winter title at Turfway Park with 62 wins. The global powerhouse Godolphin dominated as the leading owner, amassing 45 total victories, significantly outpacing Juddmonte's 22 wins. Godolphin's success spanned multiple meets, including ties with Juddmonte at Keeneland's spring meet, along with titles at Ellis Park, Keeneland fall, and Churchill Downs' fall meet.

This surge in racing activity reflects the growing strength of Kentucky's thoroughbred industry. Dale Romans, president of the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, noted that the increased presence of top-tier trainers and owners like Asmussen, Cox, and Godolphin has revitalized the local racing scene. The statistics highlight not only the competitiveness but also the economic benefits brought by these entities, with many trainers now focusing more on Kentucky's tracks rather than venturing out of state. This trend promises a bright future for the state's racing community, fostering growth and prosperity for all involved.