Tom Pedulla is interviewing prominent owners, trainers, and jockeys as they travel the Road to the 150th Kentucky Derby Saturday, May 4, at Churchill Downs.
The final installment for this year features is Tyler Gaffalione. The outstanding young jockey is a perennial force at Churchill Downs but seeks his first Kentucky Derby (G1) triumph with prime contender Sierra Leone, winner of this years Risen Star (G2) and Blue Grass (G1) stakes.
Gaffalione's grandfather, Bobby, and his father, Steve, also were jockeys. In the Derby, the native of Davie, Fla., has yet to crack the top three from six mounts. His best finish occurred when War of Will ran seventh in 2019 before rebounding to capture the 2019 Preakness Stakes (G1) and provide his rider with his lone victory in a Triple Crown race to date.
Gaffalione, 29, discussed the role model his father provided, his success aboard Sierra Leone, and his Derby quest during a question-and-answer session conducted on behalf of America's Best Racing.
PEDULLA: Did you always want to be a jockey?
GAFFALIONE: Yes, sir, as far as I can remember. With my grandfather [Bobby] being a jockey and my father being a jockey, it's all I ever loved and all I ever wanted to do.
PEDULLA: How much have you learned from your father over the years?
GAFFALIONE: My father has been so instrumental in my career. He's taught me everything I know as far as riding. I wouldn't be where I am without him. He's my best friend, my mentor, my idol.
PEDULLA: What does your success mean to your father?
GAFFALIONE: It's incredible to see. After a big day or a big win, he'll text me or call me and he's more pumped up than I am.
PEDULLA: You received the Eclipse Award as the nation's leading apprentice rider in 2015. How much did that help launch your career?
GAFFALIONE: I would have to say it was instrumental. It definitely helped with my confidence. It made me feel I had a chance to make it. It was one of those things where you dream of it happening, but you never really expect it to.
PEDULLA: How important was your Preakness win to you?
GAFFALIONE: I would have to say the Preakness win was probably the most important thing that happened in my career. It was a big stage, a classic race. It gave people confidence that I was capable of riding in those races.
PEDULLA: You have had a lot of success at Churchill Downs with many riding titles there. Does that give you confidence going into the Derby?
GAFFALIONE: Most definitely. The success we've had at Churchill definitely helps with the confidence going into the Kentucky Derby. It's like playing the World Series in your backyard. I'm so familiar with this racetrack. It's home to me, so it makes things a lot easier.
PEDULLA: Please take me through the Risen Star. The fractions were very slow. Did that alarm you?
GAFFALIONE: It was kind of a strange race. It had rained all day leading into it. It was hard to really get an idea of how quick they were going in front of us. It seemed the horses ahead of us were working hard and the time showed that. But my horse got into a good rhythm on the backside. I found a good horse to follow, Catching Freedom. When I called on my horse at the five-sixteenths pole, he really jumped into gear and stormed down the center of the track. He really finished up well.
PEDULLA: What did the Blue Grass show you about Sierra Leone?
GAFFALIONE: I would say it strengthened my confidence in him. Especially after the Risen Star, I didn't think he could get beat. He's a big, strong individual. He shows up every time. He gets into a good rhythm. He handles kickback fine. He can be inside or outside of horses. He's the total package.
PEDULLA: Is he the best horse you have ridden?
GAFFALIONE: I'll let him prove that.
PEDULLA: What do you see as the key to winning the Kentucky Derby?
GAFFALIONE: The main thing is to get my horse into a good rhythm, find the right spots and, hopefully, they open up when we need them to.
PEDULLA: Do you feel you have the horse to beat?
GAFFALIONE: Most definitely.
PEDULLA: What would it mean to you if you could win the Derby?
GAFFALIONE: I can't even imagine. That's the one race everybody dreams of winning. I can never imagine being in that position. Hopefully, one day we can get there and I'm hoping this is the year.
