BY GULFSTREAM PARK PRESS OFFICE
HALLANDALE BEACH, FL—Jockey Tyler Gaffalione rode his first career winner at Gulfstream Sept. 7, 2014. So, it was only fitting the native of nearby Davie, Fla., would reach yet another milestone at his hometown track Friday.
Gaffalione notched Win No. 2,500 in the first race, scoring aboard Kiss Cam ($15.80) before going on to win the second race aboard Florida-bred War Beat ($6) and finishing off a $40.20 Early Daily Double.
“I just feel so blessed. I’m just so thankful to be able to come out here and live out my dream every day,” Gaffalione said. “It’s always nice to come back to Gulfstream Park and see all the friendly faces and everyone I grew up with. It feels amazing. I’m just so thankful for the horsemen’s continued support.”
The 30-year-old jockey, who has won many titles on the Kentucky circuit, scored his first career win aboard Holdin’ Bullets, his third career mount, five days before his 20th birthday. He went on to capture the 2015 Eclipse Award as North America’s champion apprentice. Gaffalione also celebrated career wins 1,000 (Mission from Elle, Dec. 30, 2018) and 1,500 (Florida-bred Awesome Pudding, Feb. 24, 2021) at Gulfstream.
“They’ve always been good to me here,” Gaffalione said, “and I can’t thank my agent Matt Muzikar enough.”
Gaffalione, who has ridden the winners of 22 graded stakes (six Grade 1s) in 2024, shares Gulfstream’s record for most wins on a single card with Jerry Bailey, Luis Saez, Paco Lopez and Irad Ortiz Jr. He made seven visits to the Gulfstream winner’s circle on July 4, 2017.
Saez notched a victory on his first day of the 2024-2025 Championship Meet, scoring aboard Mia Vita ($6.80) in Race 10.
Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, who has ridden many of his 6,658 wins at Gulfstream, notched his first victory of the 2024-2025 Championship Meet in Race 4 with a stretch rally aboard Masked Man ($16.20).
“It’s good to be here. It’s great to win races, and the fans are great. It makes it fun,” Velazquez said as he was roundly cheered by the fans upon reaching the winner’s circle.
