Our questions are answered by the top US-based rider, who has thrived since crossing the Atlantic from his native France
It is safe to say Flavien Prat’s decision to leave France, where he had been champion apprentice, for the States in 2015 has paid off – in fact, it’s probably a massive understatement.
The 33-year-old has never ridden better and that view is backed up by quality and quantity on the track as he sits second to the all-conquering Irad Ortiz among the nation’s leading jockeys.
A stack of big-race glory has also been captured, including a Kentucky Derby in 2019 on Country House (albeit only after Maximum Security was demoted for causing interference).
Two years later he won the Preakness on Rombauer, while he also enjoyed a memorable association with former world champion Flightline, who earned comparisons with US racing royalty after his spellbinding Breeders’ Cup Classic triumph in 2022.
Prat won America’s richest race again two years later with Sierra Leone in 2024. “When I came to the States I didn’t know what the future would hold,” says the rider. “But I’ve got kids now and they’re going to school, so this is home for me – I’m here for good.”
He’s enjoyed another fantastic year, though it could have been even sweeter had Forever Young not denied Sierra Leone a second Breeders’ Cup Classic.
“The season has been good, my best,” he agrees. “I had such a good year last year, so was keen to keep that momentum going, but it depends on the horses.
“As for Sierra Leone, he ran great. He was beaten by a brilliant horse, but I was very proud of him – as I have been all year.”
Which racing figure past or present do you most admire?
For his integrity, dedication and love for the game, it’s Mike Smith. He’s someone, if you need advice or anything, you can just talk to.
He’s very open and I admire him as a person as much as I do as a rider. He’s probably still the fittest in the jocks’ room, which shows how professional he is. To be that good and consistent at his age is very impressive.
Which is your favorite venue, and race, anywhere in the world?
Santa Anita. I haven’t been all over the world, but it’s the greatest track I’ve seen – just gorgeous. It doesn’t matter if it’s raining or shining, it’s beautiful, and I’ve good memories of winning my first Breeders’ Cup race there on Obviously in the Turf Sprint in 2016.
As for a race, it’s the Kentucky Derby, no doubt. I was in the stands for my first visit and it was something else, out of this world. I won it on Country House and that was strange – not the way you want to win it – but hopefully one day I can win it the right way.
Who is your favorite racehorse and why?
That’s easy, Flightline. We always thought he was different, but there are lots of times you think you’re on a good horse and they never turn out to be what you hoped. He lived up to all of our expectations and was the whole package. Mentally, he felt very smart and loved the attention, and he just seemed able to run fast forever as well.
What is your fondest memory in racing?
I think my first ride. It came at Deauville on the Polytrack and was the day after my 16th birthday. All my friends and family were there and I always wanted to be a jockey; I’d never thought about doing anything else. I was riding for Tony Clout, whom I was apprenticed to, and finished third, and it was the beginning of what’s been a wonderful journey.
If you could change one thing in racing, what would it be?
I think it’d be great if the rules everywhere in the world were the same. You watch soccer in England or France or Africa and the rules are the same. It’s not that difficult to adjust, but it definitely doesn’t make things easier and, even in America, you go from state to state and it’s different; I’d love them to be the same.
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