Jockey Flavien Prat is set to ride Magnitude in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland on October 31, according to the Daily Racing Form. Trainer Steve Asmussen shared with DRF that Prat will pilot the 4-year-old Not This Time colt during his workout this Sunday at Keeneland.
This year, Magnitude has exclusively been ridden by Jose Ortiz, who guided him to victories in the Grade 1 Dubai World Cup and the Grade 1 Stephen Foster. However, Ortiz will switch mounts to ride dual classic winner Golden Tempo in the 1 ¼-mile Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Ortiz’s agent, Steve Rushing, explained to DRF that Golden Tempo’s continued training into 2027 influenced the jockey’s decision. Meanwhile, Magnitude is expected to retire to stud at Coolmore America in 2027.
“He’s had big wins on both horses,” Rushing said. “I don’t think there’s a right or wrong choice here.”
For more details, visit drf.com.
This report was originally published on October 6, 2026, by Paulick Report in their News section. You can add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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Fan Take: This jockey switch highlights the strategic decisions behind top-tier racing campaigns and stallion plans, giving fans a glimpse into the business side of the sport. How Prat performs on Magnitude in such a high-profile race could impact both the horse’s legacy and future breeding value, making the Classic even more compelling to watch.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
