Luis Sáez's remarkable journey in Kentucky racing continued as he firmly established his dominance. With a commanding 41 victories from 160 mounts and over $3.6 million in purse earnings, he clinched his third Churchill Downs riding title. Entering Sunday's closing-day program, he held an insurmountable 21-win lead over last year's champion Tyler Gaffalione, who had missed several days due to a spill.

Notable Victories and Relocation

Represented by agent Kiaran McLaughlin, Sáez had notable victories at the 26-day stand. He rode First Resort to a Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club win and Good Cheer in the Golden Rod (G2). Sáez relocated his tack to Kentucky in 2022 and immediately found success, winning that year's fall meet with 23 victories over a 19-day schedule. His momentum carried into the 2023 spring meet, where he led all riders with 33 wins across 23 days.

His ability to perform consistently and achieve such remarkable results is truly remarkable. It shows his skill and determination on the track.

Standings and Competitors

As of Sunday, jockey Luan Machado was third in the standings with 16 wins followed by Brian Hernandez Jr. with 14, Florent Géroux 13, and a three-way tie between Erik Asmussen, Rafael Bejarano, and Jaime Torres with 10 each. Each of these riders has their own strengths and contributions to the racing scene.

It's a competitive field, and Sáez's dominance is a testament to his exceptional abilities.

Role in Leading-Owner Title

Sáez also played a crucial role in Godolphin clinching the leading-owner title at the fall meet. His wins aboard First Resort and Good Cheer helped Godolphin tally seven victories, three more than runner-up Calumet Farm. Heading into their final two entries on Sunday, Godolphin has amassed more than $1.2 million in earnings.

This shows Sáez's impact not only as a rider but also in contributing to the success of the owners.

Leading-Trainer Title Battle

The leading-trainer title will be decided on Sunday, with Steve Asmussen holding a slim 17-16 lead over Brad Cox. Asmussen had horses entered in races 1, 4, 5, 7, and 9, while Cox's entries were in races 5, 8, and 10. The outcome of this battle will add another layer of excitement to the day's racing.

It's a close race, and every win and loss will be crucial in determining the final standings.