Wed, 01/21/2026 - 12:59

Seeking more opportunities, Antongeorgi moving tack to Kentucky

Benoit Photo
Jockey William Antongeorgi, who won the Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf aboard Grand Slam Smile, is moving to Kentucky.

Jockey William Antongeorgi is moving from California to Kentucky this week in an effort to gain more mounts.

Antongeorgi, formerly among the leading riders in Northern California, was based in Southern California in 2025. He won 21 races from 269 mounts compared to 83 wins from 463 mounts in Northern California in 2024.

There has been no racing in Northern California since December 2024. Golden Gate Fields, the hub track for that circuit, closed in June 2024.

Antongeorgi said over the weekend that he plans to be based at Turfway Park in coming months.

:: Santa Anita Classic Meet! Get DRF Past Performances, Clocker Reports, and more.

“It seems like there are more opportunities for me now [in Kentucky,]" he said.

Antongeorgi did leave California on a winning note, riding Grand Slam Smile to a victory in the Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint for statebreds at Santa Anita on Saturday.

Antongeorgi has won four races, including three stakes, on Grand Slam Smile in the last year. Grand Slam Smile is trained by Sean McCarthy.

“I’m thankful to Sean for the opportunity,” Antongeorgi said. "[Grand Slam Smile] kept me afloat.”

In his career, which began in 2005, Antongeorgi, 38, has won 1,805 races. Grand Slam Smile has been among his leading mounts as well as Clovisconnection. Antongeorgi has won six races, including five stakes, on Clovisconnection.

:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.