Umberto Rispoli paused for a quiet moment beside his final mount of the meet, resting a hand on the horse’s neck as a small cluster of fans applauded from the rail. That gentle exchange set the tone for a memorable afternoon in which the Italian rider secured his Del Mar riding title, a milestone that capped a season defined by confidence, composure, and a remarkable burst of form through late November.
Rispoli ended the 12th Bing Crosby Season with 17 wins, pulling clear of Antonio Fresu (14) and Mirco Demuro (12). The championship was shaped heavily by back-to-back three-win days on November 23 and 24, part of three hat tricks overall at the seaside track. Those performances helped Rispoli edge ahead during the closing stages, sealing the most consistent run of any rider this fall.
A parallel storyline unfolded in the trainers’ ranks, where George Papaprodromou earned his first Del Mar title. He sent out 11 winners from 34 starters, a notable achievement for a horseman who has been steadily building momentum since beginning his career in 2003. His horses returned a strong strike rate across the meeting, surpassing the tallies of John Sadler (9) and Bob Baffert (8). It marks Papaprodromou’s first career training championship and a significant moment of recognition after years of patient progression.
Among owners, Juddmonte topped the standings with four wins, edging a group of three-win stables that included Reddam Racing, Spendthrift Farm and J K Racing Stable. The earnings crown went to Susumu Fujita, whose season was highlighted by a standout top-level success with Forever Young.
Jockey Standings (Season Totals)
Umberto Rispoli – 17 wins (77 rides)
Antonio Fresu – 14 wins
Mirco Demuro – 12 wins
Hector Berrios – 11 wins
Armando Ayuso – 11 wins
Juan Hernandez – 9 wins
Tiago Pereira – 7 wins
Kazushi Kimura – 6 wins
Edwin Maldonado – 6 wins
Flavien Prat – 5 wins
Trainer Standings (Season Totals)
George Papaprodromou – 11 wins (34 starts)
John Sadler – 9 wins
Bob Baffert – 8 wins
Doug O’Neill – 8 wins
Philip D’Amato – 7 wins
Steve Knapp – 7 wins
Leonard Powell – 5 wins
Robert B. Hess Jr. – 5 wins
Peter Miller – 4 wins
Jeff Mullins – 3 wins
The season’s close provided a fitting snapshot of Del Mar’s competitive depth—veteran riders lifting their numbers late, young horsemen gaining recognition, and owners collecting meaningful highlights. Rispoli’s calm assurance, Papaprodromou’s breakthrough, and the strong spread of winners each contributed to a vibrant finish to the Bing Crosby Season.
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