Tyler Gaffalione Wins Sixth Riding Title at Gulfstream

Tyler Gaffalione clinched his sixth riding title at Gulfstream Park on the June 30 Summit of Speed program, the final card of the spring meet.

The 23-year-old rising star, who made several trips for out-of-town stakes engagements, edged Emisael Jaramillo 63-61 in wins to defend his spring meet title.

"I'm very excited. It's such a blessing," said the Davie, Fla., resident, who is represented by agent Matt Muzikar. "I'd like to thank my agent (and) all the owners and trainers for giving me the opportunity to ride such good horses. I'm just happy to be here."

Gaffalione has won three consecutive summer-meet titles. July 1 was the opening-day card of the 56-day summer meet. His chances of adding a fourth consecutive title will depend on how much he rides at Saratoga Race Course over the summer.

"I'm not 100% sure. I've been talking to my agent. We're definitely going to be up there quite a bit, but I'm not entirely sure if we'll be there the whole meet or go back and forth. We're playing it by ear right now. It depends on the horses," Gaffalione said.

Gaffalione has enjoyed considerable success during his out-of-town ventures, most recently at Canterbury Park June 23, when he rode Sniper Kitten to a victory in the Mystic Lake Derby and I'm Betty G to win the Lady Canterbury Stakes. Both horses are trained by Mike Maker.

"My agent does a great job for me. He's the one who picks the horses. I just have to show up and ride them and finish it up," he said.

Gaffalione, who was honored with the Eclipse Award as top apprentice in 2015, has ridden 884 winners, including more than 200 every year from 2015-17. He has 137 wins so far this year.

Three trainers were tied atop the standings with 17 wins in the spring meet—defending champion Todd Pletcher, Oscar Gonzalez, and Victor Barboza Jr.

Arindel was the spring meet's leading owner with 14 wins.