Flavien Prat

Flavien Prat is a French flat jockey from Melun who has become one of the most successful riders in American racing since relocating to the United States. He won the 2019 Kentucky Derby aboard Country House, who was promoted to first after Maximum Security's disqualification, and cemented his reputation with a dominant victory in the 2022 Breeders' Cup Classic.

Prat's background in French racing, where he was champion apprentice, gave him a foundation in European-style riding: patient, rhythmic, and focused on balance rather than brute force. That style translated effectively to American racing, particularly on turf, where he quickly became one of the most sought-after riders in California. His move to the New York circuit broadened his profile further, and he now competes regularly at the highest level on both coasts. His Breeders' Cup Classic victory was a career-defining ride, timed with the precision that European training instils.

What separates Prat from many of his American-based contemporaries is composure. He rides with a stillness in the saddle that allows horses to find their stride naturally, and he is exceptionally good at waiting. In American dirt racing, where the temptation is to use a horse's speed early, Prat's willingness to take a pull and ride from behind can produce spectacular late surges. His versatility across dirt and turf, sprints and routes, makes him one of the most complete riders in the country. Trainers value his feedback on horses, and his ability to adapt his riding plan mid-race is a quality that defines top-class jockeys.

Prat's 2026 ambitions will centre on the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders' Cup, the two most significant meetings on the American calendar. His French roots also make him a candidate for international assignments at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Fans can follow in France time.