Who is Final Gambit? Everything About the Kentucky Derby 2025 Horse: Owner, Trainer, Earnings and More

In the unpredictable world of Kentucky Derby contenders, there are always a few horses that sneak under the radar until they make a statement when it matters most. Final Gambit has done exactly that. While some horses dominated the headlines early on, this gray colt from Juddmonte’s prestigious breeding program patiently built his resume with each start. Now, after a gutsy victory in the Jeff Ruby Steaks, he’s stamped his ticket to the biggest stage of all.

But questions still linger. Final Gambit has yet to race on traditional dirt, and tackling Churchill Downs’ surface for the first time on Derby Day is a bold move. His pedigree, late-running style, and rapid progression suggest he belongs, but the Kentucky Derby has a way of revealing hidden cracks. For trainer Brad Cox and rider Luan Machado, it’s a calculated gamble—and if Final Gambit keeps stepping forward, it could pay off in a big way.

Who owns Final Gambit? 

Final Gambit races in the iconic green silks of Juddmonte Farms, one of the most respected names in thoroughbred racing worldwide. Juddmonte, founded by the late Prince Khalid Abdullah, has long been synonymous with excellence, having produced legendary champions like Frankel, Enable, and Arrogate. Their commitment to breeding and racing elite stock is unparalleled, and Final Gambit represents the next chapter of that storied legacy.

Unlike many Derby hopefuls who were picked up at auction, Final Gambit was bred and raised under Juddmonte’s careful eye. That continuity from foaling barn to racetrack often produces horses with a strong foundation—something that will be tested fully under the bright lights of Churchill Downs. For Juddmonte, who already has multiple Breeders’ Cup wins but still seeks consistent Derby success, Final Gambit represents both hope and high expectations.

Who trains Final Gambit?

Brad Cox has become one of the hottest names in American horse racing over the past few years, and with good reason. The Louisville native already boasts a Kentucky Derby win on his resume (Mandaloun, 2021 via disqualification) and has developed a reputation for bringing horses to their peak performances at just the right time. Final Gambit could be yet another feather in his growing cap.

Cox’s methodical approach suits a horse like Final Gambit, who needed time to develop. After a turf debut and a couple of synthetic starts, Cox carefully mapped a path that built the colt’s confidence without rushing him into deep waters too soon. The payoff came in the Jeff Ruby Steaks, where Final Gambit unleashed a furious rally to grab the win. Now, with Cox’s strategic eye guiding the way, Final Gambit heads to the Derby as a true wild card.

Who is Final Gambit’s jockey?

In a field filled with high-profile jockeys, Luan Machado may not be a household name yet, but he’s quickly earning respect. The Brazilian rider, who has made a name for himself in the Midwest circuit, showcased perfect timing and poise aboard Final Gambit during the Jeff Ruby Steaks win. That performance earned him the mount for the Derby, despite competing against some of racing’s biggest stars.

Machado’s familiarity with Final Gambit’s late-closing style will be crucial. Navigating a 20-horse Derby field demands split-second decisions, especially for a deep closer. Machado proved he can stay patient and time his move, a skill that will be vital if Final Gambit is to weave through tiring horses down the Churchill stretch. It’s a golden opportunity for both rider and horse to break onto the national scene.

What are Final Gambit’s career earnings?

Heading into the Derby, Final Gambit boasts career earnings of $520,639. It’s a solid number, especially considering he didn’t even notch his first victory until February of this year. His breakout moment came with the Jeff Ruby Steaks win, which carried a lucrative $776,000 purse—and more importantly, 100 qualifying points toward the Kentucky Derby.

While not the highest earner in the field, Final Gambit’s trajectory is what excites connections. From a green two-year-old making a late rally on turf to a polished stakes winner in the spring, his upward curve suggests untapped potential. Earnings aside, it’s the timing of his improvement that makes him a Derby threat: he’s peaking exactly when a horse needs to peak.

What are Final Gambit’s racing stats and past performances?

Final Gambit enters the Kentucky Derby with a race record of 4 starts: 2 wins, 1 second, and 1 third. His debut came on the Churchill Downs turf course last fall, where he rallied nicely for third despite trouble early. That effort hinted at his closing kick, but it was his switch to synthetic tracks that unlocked further improvement.

After a narrow second-place finish in January at Turfway Park, Final Gambit broke through with a maiden win in February. Then came his crowning achievement: a come-from-behind victory in the Jeff Ruby Steaks, where he surged past rivals to win by 1½ lengths. Though all of his wins have come on turf or synthetic, his Churchill experience—even on grass—could offer an important comfort level when he returns for the Derby.

What is Final Gambit’s pedigree and bloodline?

Final Gambit boasts a pedigree loaded with class and stamina. He’s a son of Not This Time, a Breeders’ Cup Juvenile runner-up who has quickly become one of the top young sires in North America. Not This Time is known for producing tough, versatile runners capable of excelling over classic distances—exactly the type of bloodline you want for a Derby contender.

His dam, Pachinko, is by Tapit, arguably the most influential American sire of the past two decades. Tapit’s progeny have won everything from the Belmont Stakes to the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and his influence often shines in horses that mature with time and thrive over longer distances. Pachinko herself hails from the same family as Group 1 winners in Europe, adding even more depth to Final Gambit’s resume. While surface preferences remain a question, there’s no denying the pedigree is built for big races.

The post Who is Final Gambit? Everything About the Kentucky Derby 2025 Horse: Owner, Trainer, Earnings and More appeared first on EssentiallySports.