“I won some very important races, Class 1, in Brazil,” the rider said in a commentary translated by his brother and fellow jockey Luan Machado. “It was always my dream to come to the US, and I thought it was a really good time to level up and get better with the best.”
It didn’t take long for Dylan Machado to become well acquainted with American racing when he piloted his first horse, Good Money, to a narrow victory in a $30,000 claiming race at Churchill Downs on November 28 for trainer Ben Colebrook and owner My Wife’s Gonna Love This. Now he will look to carry that momentum into the Holiday Meet at Turfway Park, which begins on December 3.
That early success came as no shock to Luan, who predicted that his younger brother’s luck would likely carry him to victory.
“This man is so lucky, you wouldn’t believe it,” Luan said Blood horse about three hours before the race. “His journeys are, ‘He didn’t make it happen in any way.’ I won’t be surprised if he ends up winning.”
Perhaps it’s a bit of luck, but Dylan’s initial success also includes hard work and strong guidance. The jockey gene started in the Machado family through their father, Ronaldo. Although his career did not last long, it inspired three sons to take up the saddle.
“I saw both my brothers be successful,” Dylan said. “There was no choice but to do the same as my brothers.”
Luan, now 31, has been a mainstay on the Kentucky circuit in recent years since moving to the United States in 2018. Muriel, 29, also became a jockey and, in addition to Brazil, rode successfully in the Middle East and Norway. However, he struggled with maintaining his weight and retired. He now serves as a servant to his brothers in Kentucky.
“Now we’re a team again,” Luan said.
All three Machado brothers started riding in unofficial match races around 11 or 12 years old before attending jockey school to become professionals. Dylan started riding professionally at the age of 16 and quickly made an impression. According to Equineline statistics, Dylan has won 309 races in Brazil and the US, with five Grade 1 victories. He also won four other types of bets.
We earned all FIVE OF THOSE TOP-LELEL STAKES VICTORIES this year: Night of Roberto E Nelson Grinalddi Seabra, Lendario Brujo in the ABCPC, teimoso in the Juliano Martins, but in the Cruzeiro do de Janeiro.
“It’s rare,” Luan said of a jockey so young winning five Grade 1 races in Brazil. “It’s a very competitive match there; it’s not easy.”
Now Dylan hopes his talents translate to the US. Fortunately, he has the experience and mentorship of his brothers to help him adapt his driving to racing in Kentucky and help with communication.
“It’s really important to me to have them both here,” Dylan said. “I don’t know if I would have ever gotten here if it wasn’t for them. It’s been very important for me to adapt, to help me speak and communicate.”
Dylan is working hard to learn English so he can communicate with trainers. He hopes his determination and dedication – both in learning English and in the saddle – will show trainers what he is capable of.
“You have to prove your worth in the races,” Dylan said. “There’s no better way than to show it. No matter how much you say, you have to show it.”
The win Friday was a great introduction to American riders. Interest in the rider is high as agent Corey Prewitt has him booked 17 mountain trips during the first four days of the holiday meet. Turfway Park is where Luan made a name for himself by winning leading rider titles at the 2019, 2024 and 2025 Winter/Spring Meetings, as well as the 2018 and 2023 Holiday Meets.
“It might be a little difficult at first, but I’m pretty sure I’m capable enough to compete with them,” Dylan said. “It has always been a dream of mine to compete here against the best and against Luan. I am very grateful for all the blessings.”
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