Juan Hernandez © Benoit Photo

For the second year in a row, jockey Juan Hernandez has won both the summer and fall riding titles at Del Mar. Unlike past title runs, Hernandez had to rally from behind late in the season to win the Bing Crosby Season title with 21 wins. 

Hernandez trailed Antonio Fresu and Umberto Rispoli through much of the fall. But he got hot in the second-to-last week, winning five races and grabbing the lead. He then secured the title with another eight victories in the final week, five on closing day. 

“I’m very grateful to everybody,” Hernandez says. “I want to thank the owners the trainers and the grooms. My agent (Craig O’Bryan); he’s the one who picks the right horses.

“I just enjoy riding my horses,” Hernandez continues. “I try to do my best in every race. This is for my family here and in Mexico. I’m just excited and looking forward to the next meet.”

Hernandez has now won six jockey titles at Del Mar. Rispoli finished with 15 wins, Fresu with 14.

Trainer Mark Glatt notched his first Del Mar trainers title this fall, winning 14 races, five better than runner-up and defending champion Phil D’Amato. Glatt ran horses in 32 races, about half of what D’Amato came with, and posted a 44% win rate. 

Glatt’s title at Del Mar follows his first ever training title at Santa Anita at last year’s Autumn meet. He’s been training in Southern California since 2000.

Augustin Stables won the owners title with five wins. Hronis Racing and Nick Alexander were next with four. Godolphin, by way of their Breeders’ Cup success, won the earnings title with over $4.5 million.