Machado Dominates Jockeys At Turfway's Winter/Spring Meet; Foster Takes Trainer Title

Luan Machado clinched his fourth leading rider title at Turfway Park with 62 victories, a remarkable 25 more than second-place Gerardo Corrales at the Winter/Spring Meet, which concluded Saturday.

Represented by Cory Prewitt, Machado also took the 2023 Holiday Meet title.

Machado began riding at Turfway Park in 2018 and has quickly become a top rider in the colony. A native of Brazil, Machado won his first local riding title during the 2018 Holiday Meet when he tied Rodney Prescott with 21 wins. Machado would go on to win the 2019 Winter/Spring Meet with 35 victories.

“I was never a leading rider in Brazil, but I always knew I could do better. That’s why I left Brazil,” Machado said. “When I came to Turfway I was very excited to ride in Kentucky. The Kentucky circuit is tough, but I’ve proven I’ve been able to compete with the talented riders here.

“I’m very thankful for everyone that’s helped me get to this point. I am going to keep working as hard as I can to be successful.”

Machado’s 2024 Winter/Spring Meet has been nothing short of dominant. His  victories have been the most of any rider at the Winter/Spring Meet since Albin Jiminez piloted 80 winners in 2016. Machado plans to keep his tack year-round in Kentucky and will move to Keeneland when the Lexington track opens  Friday.

In the trainer standings, Eric Foster secured his first leading trainer title at Turfway Park with 15 victories. 

Foster, a native of Utica, Ky., made 86 starts with his trainees this year at Turfway and among his notable victories were from his 3-year-old fillies Everland and Maxisuperfly who won the Bourbonette Oaks and Cincinnati Trophy Stakes, respectively.

Trainer Brad Cox was second with 14 victories.

Christina Estvanko and Margo Scott enjoyed eight winners to clinch the owner title, two in front of Dede McGehee and Ruis Racing. Godolphin was third with five winners at the meet. 

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