Aahana Swrup
‘Race for the Crown’ is a Netflix docuseries centering on the sport of horse racing. As the show delves into the high-stakes world of thoroughbreds and racetracks, the viewers get a uniquely insider glimpse into the professional lives of jockeys, horse owners, and horse trainers. Umberto Rispoli, a rising star in the industry, is among the various prominent athletes introduced within the show. The Italian athlete who has made a name for himself in various corners of the world got to compete against his long-standing idol Frankie Dettori in the 2024 racing season—and snag a win against the living legend. Since then, the athlete’s career has continued to meet exciting new challenges and achievements.
Umberto Rispoli is Looking Forward to Taking on the Kentucky Derby Again
Umberto Rispoli has already paved an impressive path with a fascinating career that has won him various races across the world. From France and Japan to Hong Kong and the US, his home base since 2020, the rider has earned many victories on the racetracks. Naturally, the Kentucky Derby, one of the most prestigious races in the world, has made its way onto the athlete’s bucket list. Rispoli has previously competed in the race twice—a feat in and of itself. Nonetheless, with ninth and fourteenth rankings, he has yet to lay claim to the coveted title.
However, in 2025, Rispoli is prepared to enter the Kentucky Derby with the public favorite, Journalism, the horse. The rider and the steed have been teaming up for some time now, maintaining an incredible winning streak. In April, the duo performed exceptionally well at the Santa Anita Derby and secured a win for themselves. As a result, Rispoli’s third appearance at the popular Derby with his unbeaten horse is expected to bear promising results. In a conversation with Thoroughbred Daily News, he discussed his partnership with Journalism and shared, “I just feel happy because I have found a great horse in my life. He is the best dirt horse I’ve ever ridden. No doubt about it.”
Umberto Rispoli is Thriving at the Racetracks
As an emerging name in the world of racehorse jockeys, Umberto Rispoli’s trajectory remains invigorating, bringing different highs and lows in the athlete’s life. In 2024, he achieved a career first with a G1 double win at Gamely with Leonard Powell’s Anisette and the Shoemaker Mile with Johannes, trained under Tim Yakteen. These jockey-horse partnerships proved to be particularly fruitful for Ripsoli, as they also brought him the top spots at the Del Mar Racetrack’s Yellow Ribbon Handicap and the Eddie Read Stakes, respectively.
Additionally, Ripsoli earned various other wins with an assortment of equine partners. Some of his notable 2024 accomplishments include victories at the Oceanside Stakes, the G2 Exacta Systems Ladies Sprint, the Hollywood Derby, the Grade III Bob Hope Stakes, and many more. Now in 2025, as he embarks on his 20th year in the sport, it’s proving to shape up to be the jockey’s best year yet. His team-up with Journalism, the Kentucky Derby favorite, has resulted in an undefeated streak across races like the G2 San Felipe Stakes. Furthermore, he has also proved his raw skill with other steeds like Formidable Man and Private Gem, whom he piloted into victories at the Frank E. Kilroe Mile and The Great Race Place, respectively. Consequently, with a reported 20% win rate so far, Rispoli seems to be on track toward a shining future.
Umberto Rispoli Finds Great Strength and Support in His Loving Family
Umberto Rispoli moved to the States in 2020. Since then, he and his family—wife Kimberly and two young boys—have set up their home in California. Kimberly has been a rock by the jockey’s side for more than thirteen years now, and the couple’s relationship only seems to grow stronger with every passing year. Furthermore, his oldest son, Hayden, has taken an interest in horse-riding, allowing the father-son duo some shared ground for bonding.
On the other hand, Rispoli’s relationship with his younger son, Aramis, remains just as strong. Recently, the young boy celebrated his birthday surrounded by his family’s love. Yet, while Rispoli continues to have a blissful family life, he also underwent a grave tragedy in 2024 with the loss of his younger brother, Stefano Cherci. Today, he continues to keep the man alive in his memories, sharing tidbits of their past in moments of reminiscence. Ultimately, friendships and family relationships remain an important part of Rispoli’s personal life, and they continue to thrive alongside his promising career.
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