The 2025 racing season came to a close Thursday with honors granted to the top performers in both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing.
The top jockey of the season was runaway winner Fernando De La Cruz, who scored 120 wins heading into the last day of competition at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
“I want to thank all the trainers and my family for the support to put me in this position this year,” noted De La Cruz during the presentation. “I would not be here if it wasn’t for all of them. And, I thank God for this opportunity as well. My agent, Jimmy McNerney, worked hard for me this year and put me on some great horses and got me going. We will head to Turfway for the winter and be back in the spring.”
A native of Peru, De La Cruz has been riding in the United States since 2007. Now a resident of nearby New Palestine, Ind., he scored his third title at Horseshoe Indianapolis this season, adding to his titles from 2014 and 2016. He is Indiana’s all-time leading jockey by wins and by purses earned with 1,350 wins and purse earnings of more than $37 million. He has also scored the most premier racing wins in track history with more than 50 to his credit.
De La Cruz was joined by his family, including his mother and father who flew up from Peru for the presentation. Overall, he has more than 2,600 career wins and has accumulated purse earnings of more than $65 million during his 19-year career as a jockey in the United States. He has also earned titles from Tampa Bay Downs and Hoosier Park.
“My mom and dad visit us often from Peru, but to have them in the winner’s circle for this presentation makes it extra special,” added De La Cruz. “I’m very lucky to have my family supporting me.”
Joe Ramos finished in second place with 100 wins heading into the final day of racing over Marcelino Pedroza Jr., who was third with 72 wins.
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