As the spotlight intensified on the 151st Kentucky Derby, jockey Umberto Rispoli found himself at the heart of an emotional and symbolic moment. A surprise visit at Churchill Downs by his father-in-law, French racing legend Gerald Mosse, instantly lit up the paddock. It wasn’t just a show of family support—it was a rare convergence of two generations of elite horsemanship.

Rispoli is set to ride Journalism, one of the Derby favorites, and hopes to cement his place among the sport’s greats. But as he looks ahead, it’s impossible to ignore the significance of the man behind him. Mosse’s legacy isn’t just about records; it’s about trailblazing a path that jockeys like Rispoli now follow. Their bond blends personal ties with a shared pursuit of greatness.

For Rispoli, who’s chased this moment across continents, having Mosse at Churchill isn’t just emotional—it’s motivation. The family connection underscores how horse racing can be more than a career. It’s a generational passion, a shared engine that drives their lives, both in the saddle and beyond.

 The man, the myth, the riding masterclass

Gerald Mosse’s name resonates in every major racing hub across the world. Over a 41-year career, the Marseille-born jockey captured more than 90 Group 1 victories, cementing himself as one of the sport’s elite. From the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with Saumarez in 1990 to his fairytale Melbourne Cup win on Americain in 2010, Mosse’s legacy spans continents and decades.

He wasn’t just a winner—he was an artist in the saddle. Renowned for his polished riding style and trademark white gloves, Mosse brought grace and intellect to every race. He was a top retained rider for HH Aga Khan during the 1990s, donned the world’s most prestigious silks, and won races in Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, and the UK. Few jockeys matched his global versatility or longevity.

After announcing his retirement in July 2024, Mosse transitioned to a new role as a trainer at Chantilly’s Manoir des Sangliers. Now licensed and overseeing a 40-horse yard, he’s using his wealth of racing experience to shape the next generation. “I owe everything to the people I met in this sport,” he shared, marking the end of an era and the start of another.

From glory to guidance

While Mosse’s final race at Chantilly didn’t end with a victory, it marked a turning point. His stable, located in Gouvieux near Chantilly, embodies a philosophy rooted in empathy, discipline, and attention to detail. Mobile phones are banned during rides, and stress-reducing practices are enforced—for both staff and horses. For Mosse, performance begins with peace.

He spent two years preparing his transition from jockey to trainer. By 2022, he had sold his family property to build a stable that echoed his values. “If you are not comfortable in your environment, you transmit stress to the horses,” Mosse said. His mission now is to elevate training standards and set a new example in modern horse racing.

In April 2025, Mosse’s horses Modern Light and Havana Six made headlines ahead of a high-stakes race at Chantilly. Both have been meticulously prepared under his guidance, reflecting the same meticulous approach Mosse had during his riding career. It’s clear his second act is already gaining momentum.

Umberto Rispoli’s rise

Umberto Rispoli’s journey is a testament to grit, reinvention, and relentless ambition. Raised in Scampia—a tough district in Naples infamous for its connection to the Camorra—he learned to ride at seven and quickly became Italy’s breakout star. In 2009, he shattered Gianfranco Dettori’s long-standing record for most wins in a season with 245 victories.

After that, Rispoli took on the world. He scored a G1 win in Japan, then spent nearly a decade navigating Hong Kong’s fiercely competitive circuit. But frustrations and limited opportunities saw him accept a timely call from a friend, leading him to California. It was there that Rispoli reinvented himself, amassing over 600 U.S. wins and $46 million in earnings, with key victories aboard elite horses like Johannes and Journalism.

Today, his Derby dreams are within reach. Backed by his family—including sons Hayden and Aramis, wife Kimberley, and mentor-in-law Mosse—Rispoli knows this isn’t just about one race. It’s about proving he belongs on the biggest stage. As he said, “The Derby is like taking the last penalty kick in a World Cup final—you feel every ounce of pressure, but that’s what makes it beautiful.”

The 2025 Kentucky Derby isn’t just a race for Umberto Rispoli—it’s the culmination of a lifetime chasing legacy. And standing quietly behind him, Gerald Mosse represents what that legacy can become. One man is closing the book on a remarkable career, while the other hopes to pen his finest chapter yet.

Mosse’s retirement and reinvention as a trainer add even more weight to this moment. His elegant farewell to the saddle and his dedication to training the next generation give him a new kind of influence. And for Rispoli, knowing that kind of wisdom is just a phone call away may prove to be the edge he needs.

Whether Journalism crosses the finish line first or not, Rispoli has already won something rare: the chance to ride toward destiny with a legend in his corner. It’s a family affair at Churchill Downs, with two horsemen linked by blood and bonded by the relentless pursuit of glory.