The crowd roared one last time as Edgard Zayas crossed the finish line aboard Violence and Peace in Race 7 on Friday, sealing his ninth career riding title at Gulfstream Park. There was no fist pump, just a quiet kiss to the sky and a smile — the kind of understated celebration you’d expect from a jockey who has made winning look routine. By evening, he was on a plane bound for Saratoga, leaving South Florida’s Royal Palm Meet finale to play out without its star rider.
Edgard Zayas Gulfstream Riding Title Capped Off in Style
With 93 wins from 447 mounts, Edgard Zayas’ Gulfstream riding title reflects both dominance and consistency at the Royal Palm Meet. The Puerto Rican jockey ended the season 19 wins clear of his nearest rival, confirming his position as one of Gulfstream’s leading riders.
“It’s been a good summer,” Zayas said, his voice warm but reflective. “Honestly, a lot of the nice horses I was riding left, so we had to hustle and pick up others. I’m just thankful for the support from all the trainers and owners. It’s been great.”
The Puerto Rico native, represented by agent Tito Fuentes, has been Gulfstream’s go-to man for years, particularly for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. — himself just two racing days away from clinching his 13th consecutive meet title. Together, Zayas and Joseph combined for five stakes wins at the Royal Palm Meet:
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Game Face (Luvumorgan)
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Musical Romance (Haulin Ice)
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Smile Sprint (Implementation)
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Soldier’s Dancer (Prevent)
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Successful Native (And Uwish)
Zayas Prepares for Saratoga Challenge After Gulfstream Success
Zayas wasted little time savoring Friday’s milestone. By 7 p.m., he was on a flight to Saratoga, where he is booked in 11 of 13 races this weekend for an elite roster of trainers, including Todd Pletcher, Mark Casse, Carlos David, Mike Maker, and Rusty Arnold.
Notably, he’ll reunite with two Gulfstream partners:
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Be Your Best in the Flower Bowl Stakes (G2)
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Rojo Rita in the Prioress Stakes (G3)
He’s also named aboard Spirit Doll in the Spinaway Stakes (G1) — all three trained by Joseph.
“I’m really excited, to be honest,” Zayas said. “We’re 2-for-2 on Be Your Best, and I think the mile and three-eighths suits her perfectly. She looks like the speed of the race, so hopefully we can keep rolling.”
For Rojo Rita, a filly he’s ridden since her debut win last November, a return to dirt could be the turning point.
“She’s finally maturing,” Zayas explained. “Going back to dirt was always the plan. I think she’s ready to show her real speed.”
Kentucky Downs Up Next
After Saratoga, Zayas will head to Kentucky Downs on Sunday, where he is booked for five mounts, including Lorenz in the $500,000 NTL Tight Spot Overnight Handicap for Joseph.
“This is home base for me,” Zayas said. “We just go wherever the opportunities are, and it’s been working well the past couple years.”
Gulfstream’s Rainbow 6 Jackpot Builds to $50,000
While Zayas prepares for Saratoga, Gulfstream Park has its own drama brewing. The 20-cent Rainbow 6 jackpot is estimated at $50,000 for Saturday after going unsolved Friday.
Saturday’s sequence (Races 6–11) is headlined by the $70,000 Black Diamond Cat Handicap (Race 10), where Hades — disqualified after winning the July 29 Tackleberry Handicap — returns as the 2-1 morning-line favorite. He’ll face Catalytic, trained by Antonio Sano, who was placed first in that controversial finish and now enjoys a three-pound weight advantage over Hades.
For bettors, the Rainbow 6 payout structure remains unchanged:
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Single unique ticket: full jackpot
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No unique ticket: 70% paid to highest-winning combinations, 30% carries over
Apprentice Yolber Torres Shines with Double Victory
Friday also brought a breakthrough for seven-pound apprentice Yolber Torres, who celebrated a riding double with Just Take Notes ($21.20) in Race 2 and Blast Radius ($23.20) in Race 8 — a promising sign for Gulfstream’s next generation.
With momentum on his side, Zayas now eyes Saratoga’s big stage after securing the Edgard Zayas Gulfstream riding title, a performance that cements his status as one of the most consistent jockeys in U.S. racing.
Read the full story and for more such updates, stay tuned to RaceBuzz.
For more updates and race schedules, visit Gulfstream Park’s official website.
