Jockey Dylan Davis has decided to expand his horizons.
In the midst of a career-best year in New York, the 31-year-old rider has decided to spend the winter riding at Gulfstream Park instead of Aqueduct Racetrack.
"It's time for him to take this step," said Mike Migliore, Davis' agent. "We are going to work our tails off in Florida. This isn't a vacation at Disney World. We need to pound the pavement and work as hard as we can to have a successful winter and build a foundation there for the future."
Migliore said Davis will begin riding at Gulfstream Park Jan. 1 and remain there through March 31, the end of the track's Championship Meet. He will then return to New York and ride at Aqueduct, where he had previously raced during the winter months, and Saratoga Race Course.
Migliore said he has received positive feedback from a number of New York horsemen who will be racing in Florida.
"I've talked with Mark Casse, Chad Brown, Christophe Clement, Mike Maker, Shug McGaughey, and Saffie Joseph Jr. and they all said they will support Dylan," Migliore said.
Davis, who has been riding since 2012, is enjoying his best year with 196 wins and earnings over $15.1 million.
He is leading the current Aqueduct meet with 17 wins and was the top rider at the Belmont at the Big A meet with 44 victories.
At Saratoga this summer, Davis enjoyed a breakthrough meet by finishing in a tie for third with 36 wins. His previous best year at the Spa featured 19 victories in 2023.
