Uprooting one’s life and moving to a different country is never an easy task, but it’s even tougher when you’re a 19-year-old in a highly competitive sport. Yet, the challenge and pursuit of greatness made such a move a necessity for Brazilian jockey Dylan Machado.

“I won a few very important races, Grade 1s, in Brazil,” the rider said in comments translated by his brother and fellow jockey Luan Machado. “It was always my dream to come to the U.S., and I thought it was a very good time to level up and get better with the best.”

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It did not take long for Dylan Machado to get well acquainted with American racing as he guided his first mount, Good Money, to a narrow victory in a $30,000 claiming race at Churchill Downs Nov. 28 for trainer Ben Colebrook and owner My Wife’s Gonna Love This. Now, he will attempt to carry that momentum into the Holiday Meet at Turfway Park, which is scheduled to begin Dec. 3.

That early success came as no shock to Luan, who predicted his younger brother’s luck probably would carry him to victory.

“This guy is so lucky, you wouldn’t believe it,” Luan told BloodHorse about three hours before the race. “His trips are, ‘No way he made it happen.’ I won’t be surprised if he ends up winning.”

Perhaps it is a bit of luck, but Dylan’s initial success also includes hard work and strong guidance. The jockey gene began in the Machado family through their father, Ronaldo. Although his career was not long, it inspired three sons to pursue the saddle.

“I saw both my brothers being successful,” Dylan said. “There was no other way than to do the same thing as my brothers.”

Dylan, left, and Luan Machado at Churchill (BloodHorse/Sean Collins)

Luan, now 31, has been a mainstay in the Kentucky circuit over the past few years since relocating to the United States in 2018. Muriel, 29, also became a jockey and rode successfully in the Middle East and Norway in addition to Brazil. However, he struggled with maintaining weight and retired. He now serves as a valet for his brothers in Kentucky.

“Now we are a team again,” Luan said.

All three Machado brothers began riding around 11 or 12 years old in unofficial match races before attending jockey school to become professionals. Dylan began riding professionally at age 16 and quickly made an impact. According to Equineline statistics, Dylan has won 309 races in Brazil and the U.S. with five Grade 1 victories. He also won four other graded stakes.

All five of those top-level stakes wins were earned this year: Night of Rose in the Roberto e Nelson Grimaldi Seabra, Lendario Brujo in the ABCPCC, Teimoso in the Juliano Martins, Nudini in the Cruzeiro do Sul, and Nagayama in the Estado do Rio de Janeiro.

“It is rare,” Luan said about a jockey so young winning five Grade 1 races in Brazil. “It’s a very competitive meet there; it’s not easy.”

Now, Dylan is hoping his talents translate to the U.S. Thankfully, he has the experience and mentorship of his brothers to help guide him in both adjusting his riding to racing in Kentucky as well as helping with communication.

Dylan Machado after winning first U.S. race (BloodHorse/Sean Collins)

“It’s very important to me to have them both here,” Dylan said. “I don’t know if I would have ever come here if it wasn’t for them. It’s been very important for me to adapt, help me speak, and communicate.”

Dylan is working hard to learn English so that 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 is no better way than to show it. It doesn’t matter how much you say, you have to show it.”

The victory Friday was a great introduction to American horsemen. Interest in the rider is high as agent Corey Prewitt has him booked on 17 mounts through the first four days of the Holiday meet. Turfway Park is where Luan had made a name for himself, 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 in the beginning, but I’m pretty sure I’m capable enough to be competitive with them,” Dylan said. “It’s always been a dream of mine to be competing here against the best and against Luan. I’m very thankful for all the blessings.”