Saffie Joseph Jr.

Saffie Joseph Jr. dethroned perennial leading trainer Todd Pletcher to win his first Championship Meet title in 2021-2022, during which he saddled White Abarrio for victories in the Holy Bull (G3) and $1 million Curlin Florida Derby (G1). He successfully defended his title in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024.

Joseph notched his first graded-stakes victory in a Grade 1 stakes with Math Wizard, a $25,000 claim who won the 2019 Pennsylvania Derby at Parx. He enjoyed Grade 1 success twice in 2021 with Drain the Clock in the Carter at Aqueduct and Woody Stephens at Belmont.

The son of a trainer, Joseph became the youngest trainer of a Barbados Triple Crown champion with Areutalkintome at the age of 22. He ventured to South Florida in 2011 with two horses: Go Zapper, a son of Ghostzapper who had run once without success in Barbados, and Artefacto, an unraced son of Officer. Go Zapper was his first starter in the U.S. at Tampa Bay Downs April 10, 2011 while finishing seventh. Artefacto debuted with a victory

at Calder Race Course June 19, 2011 to give him his first winner in the U.S. Saraguaro gave him his first PAGE 29 stakes success with a victory in the Foolish Pleasure at Gulfstream Park Oct. 3, 2015. Joseph, who has claimed 10 consecutive training titles at Gulfstream through the 2024 Royal Palm Meet, saddled Skippylongstocking for back-to-back victories in the $1 million Charles Town Classic (G2) in 2023 and 2024. Joseph notched his 1000th career win with Palace Zip Feb. 25, 2024. Joseph had always wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps, but his parents preferred that he pursue academics. Joseph left Barbados to attend Gulliver Preparatory School in Pinecrest, FL for two years before spending one semester at Florida International University in Miami and returning home to pursue his passion for training.