To mark an outstanding year in horse racing within the New York Racing Association (NYRA) circuit, the NYRA News Department spoke with trainers, owners, jockeys, and major figures in the industry to reflect on the year’s highlights.
One day after Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert triumphed with two Breeders’ Cup wins at Del Mar on November 1st, jockey Flavien Prat made history at Belmont during the final day of the Big A fall meet by winning seven races in a single day, all consecutively—a new NYRA record for the most wins by a jockey on one card. In an 11-race card where he won 10 times and came in second in the other race, his eighth attempt narrowly missed victory.
The 33-year-old Frenchman from Melun, in the Sines-et-Marne region, showcased a bright future as the reigning Eclipse Award winner. In 2024, he set a new record with 82 stakes wins in a single year, surpassing Hall of Famer Jerry Bailey’s previous record of 56 stakes wins set in 2003. In 2025, Prat claimed 43 victories during the Big A Spring/Summer Tournament at Belmont, securing his first title in New York and achieving his 2,000th North American win on June 27 aboard Iron Max.
His achievements continued at Saratoga, where he led the tournament for the first time, earning $5,672,620. With total purse earnings exceeding $40 million in 2025, Prat is enjoying the most financially successful season of his career, with more races on the horizon before the year ends.
Prat remained dedicated to the New York circuit throughout the year, winning 17 major stakes at NYRA tracks, including four Grade 1 races at the Whitney, Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer, Belmont Oaks Invitational, and Dunkin’ Diana, alongside five Grade 2 and eight Grade 3 races.
Since 2022, with the support of his agent Brad Pegram and wife Manon, Prat shifted his focus to competing on the challenging NYRA circuit. He had previously returned to California for the Santa Anita Winter/Spring Tournament but this year committed to the Suidobashi Winter Games.
In an interview, Prat explained his decision to spend winters in New York was largely motivated by family, finding it easier to travel from New York than California. With his children now older, the constant weekend travel between coasts became exhausting, so staying closer to home was preferable.
Reflecting on winning the Eclipse Award last year, he shared that although it felt surreal, it motivated him to keep pushing forward without feeling added pressure. He emphasized the importance of continual improvement and adapting his approach to riding and decision-making.
Prat also spoke proudly of his recent accomplishments, including setting records at both Del Mar and NYRA’s Belmont track. He described these moments as unforgettable and motivating.
Looking back on the year’s milestones, such as reaching 2,000 wins and securing titles at Keeneland and Aqueduct, Prat noted that despite winning over 300 races this year, it has been one of his best yet.
As a role model for young riders worldwide, Prat cited Frankie Dettori as his early inspiration for his versatility and success across continents. He also treasured the opportunity to ride alongside Dettori in America, fulfilling a childhood dream.
Prat is known for giving back, often gifting goggles to kids at Saratoga, seeing it as a way to create positive memories and foster future fan engagement.
He stays focused by maintaining balance amidst the profession’s highs and lows, keeping an even temperament and steady attitude daily.
Winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness have been career highlights, but Prat aspires to win the Belmont Stakes to complete victories across all three Triple Crown races, a goal he passionately hopes to achieve in the future.
This article was originally published by Paulick Report on December 29, 2025, in their News section.
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Fan Take: Flavien Prat’s record-breaking performances and dedication to the NYRA circuit highlight the emergence of a true superstar in horse racing. His success story not only inspires upcoming jockeys but also promises to elevate the sport’s profile and excitement for fans nationwide.
