Preakness Stakes (G1)-winning jockey Jaime Torres is the latest to join the Oaklawn Park jockey colony this winter, adding his name to the list of new faces for one of racing's most lucrative meets alongside Hall of Famer Joel Rosario and dual Belmont Stakes (G1)-winning rider Luis Saez.
Having previously wintered at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots over the last two seasons, Torres told BloodHorse he felt like the timing was right for him to try something new. He had his first experience riding in Hot Springs, Ark., this past winter when riding four races on Arkansas Derby (G1) weekend March 28-29, including a runner-up finish aboard Simply Joking in the Fantasy Stakes (G2).
"I am very excited, I can't wait to start," Torres said. "I really like the track and the people."
Oaklawn was the longtime winter home of legendary Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, for whom Torres rode Seize the Grey to victories in the Preakness, Pennsylvania Derby (G1), and Pat Day Mile Stakes (G2) in 2024—the first graded victories of the young rider's career.
"Lukas always told me he wanted me to go there," Torres said of his late mentor. "I think it's the right time to try it."
Torres will continue to be represented by agent Liz Morris. The Oaklawn meet begins Dec. 6.
