Umberto Rispoli
🏇🌹World-Class Thoroughbred Jockey🌹🏇
Episode 485.UMBERTO RISPOLI- 🏇🌹World-Class Thoroughbred Jockey🌹🏇
Career and Achievements
Early Career in Europe & Japan
-
Rispoli embarked on his apprenticeship in 2005 after training at Luigi Camici’s stable. His debut occurred in Varese, followed closely by his first victory aboard Pacemaker.
-
He quickly emerged as a leading jockey in Italy—setting a new national record with 245 wins in 2009 and repeating as Champion Jockey in 2010.
-
Internationally, Rispoli triumphed in Group 1 races across Japan (Takamatsunomiya Kinen, 2011), Hong Kong (Queen Elizabeth II Cup, 2012), and France (Prix du Cadran, 2012; Critérium International, 2014)
Move to Hong Kong and the United States
-
Between 2012 and 2016, Rispoli was based in France before relocating to Hong Kong under the Hong Kong Jockey Club until December 2019.
-
In late 2019, he established residence in Southern California, ultimately competing full-time in the US from 2020 onward.
Success in North America
-
His U.S. tenure has been marked by substantial success in graded and Grade 1 races. Highlights include victories aboard Rock Your World (Santa Anita Derby, 2021), Smooth Like Strait, Going to Vegas, Ocean Road, Formidable Man, and Journalism in various Grade 1 events through 2025.
-
As of May–June 2025, Rispoli had tallied over 600 career wins worldwide and accrued nearly US $50 million in purse earnings.
Historic Triple Crown Victory
-
On May 17, 2025, Rispoli made history as the first Italian jockey to win a US Triple Crown race by guiding Journalism to victory in the Preakness Stakes.
Recent Performance
-
In 2025 alone, he secured several Grade 1 victories, including the Santa Anita Derby and the Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes, demonstrating exceptional form.
-
He continued to be a prominent contender through the Belmont Stakes, where Journalism aimed for another Triple Crown victory under his guidance.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Origins | Born in the Marche region, raised in Scampia (Naples), Italy |
| Career Launch | Apprentice debut in 2005; rapid rise in Italian racing |
| International Success | Group 1 victories in Europe, Japan, and Hong Kong |
| US Base | Relocated to Southern California, 2019–20 |
| Major Wins | Numerous Grade 1 races—including Santa Anita Derby, Preakness Stakes (2025) |
| Career Totals | Over 600 wins and ~$50M in purses as of mid-2025 |
In summary, Umberto Rispoli stands as a consummate professional with a stellar international record, culminating in his trailblazing Preakness triumph. His journey—from the challenging streets of Scampia to the winner’s circle of US Triple Crown racing—is a testament to his skill, resilience, and ambition.
Click here for the MoxieTalk Podcast LibraryYou might also like
The daughter of a retired U.S. Army major and a Mexican immigrant mother who once competed in pageants herself, Cooper identifies as African American Latina and embodies the values of discipline, intellect, and cultural pride.
As Miss America, Abbie uses her platform to advocate for families impacted by cystic fibrosis, serving as an ambassador for the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Her work brings vital awareness to the need for research, education, & support—an extension of her lifelong passion for healthcare & helping others!
Brand Partners
