Kentucky Derby: Which Trainers With Horses In 2024 Field Have Had The Most Success?

Written By Mo Nuwwarah | Published at May 1, 2024
Kentucky Derby trainers

Bettors can use many angles to handicap Kentucky Derby odds, and one important step is evaluating the trainers. Some trainers have shown a repeated ability to coax good performances out of their horses in the Kentucky Derby, consistently putting up good results year after year.

TheLines took a look at the 2024 field through that lens. Which trainers with horses in the 2024 Kentucky Derby have had the most success?

Before betting on the Kentucky Derby, make sure you take a look at our Kentucky Derby picks. And don't forget to take advantage of the best promo code in the business via FanDuel Racing.

#
Sportsbook
Bonus
Features
Bet
1
BetMGM Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
  • Wide coverage of US and international sports
  • Linked to MGM Rewards loyalty program
  • Regular odds boosts and promos
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
2
DraftKings New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days
  • Wide coverage of US and international sports
  • High-quality iOS and Android apps
  • Very fast withdrawal times
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days after issuance. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 14 days. 7 days = 168hrs. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 8/23/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
3
FanDuel New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
4
Fanatics 10 x $100 bet match in FanCash
  • Unique FanCash loyalty program
  • Variety of bonuses and ongoing promos
  • Fast, reliable app with live betting and streaming
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)

Todd Pletcher Leads Kentucky Derby Trainers

Below, find a list of the relevant results of Kentucky Derby trainers with horses in the 2024 field. We've broken them down into win/place/show finishes, as well as all other top 10s. Posted results are from the Kentucky Derby points era (2013-).

TrainerWinsSecondThirdTotal WPSOther Top 10s
T. Pletcher103413
B. Cox10233
S. Asmussen11133
C. Brown01122
B. Mott10122
D. Lukas00003
K. McPeek00002
S. Joseph00001
D. Gargan00000
W. Beckman00000
D. Takayanagi00000
Y. Yahagi00000
L. Demeritte00000
M. McCarthy00000
V. Barboza00000
P. D'Amato00000
J. Ennis00000
J. Engler00000

No matter which way you slice the results, Todd Pletcher comes out on top. Pletcher guided Always Dreaming to the roses in 2017 while also training a trio of third-place finishers. He also has another win in the pre-points era, with Super Saver in 2010.

Pletcher's four W/P/S finishes ranked first, and his 13 top 10s lapped the rest of the field, nearly equaling everyone else's combined (16).

In 2024, Pletcher finds himself well-positioned to add to the aforementioned tallies since he trained Fierceness, the early favorite.

After Pletcher, Brad Cox and Steve Asmussen have been the most consistently successful, followed by Bill Mott and Chad Brown. Cox has Just a Touch and Catching Freedom, the latter scoring highly in TheLines' look at the Kentucky Derby winners through a historical lens. Brown has longshot Domestic Product, as well as co-favorite Sierra Leone. Mott trained Resilience, while Asmussen has Track Phantom.

It's also worth noting that while the points era has not been as fruitful for D. Wayne Lukas, the Hall of Fame trainer has had much Triple Crown success. He's trained four Kentucky Derby winners among his 14 Triple Crown race victors, although his last one came at the 2013 Preakness Stakes. Just Steel is Lukas' lone entrant in 2024.