Jordan Derue

Birthdate: 7/16/90

Place of Birth:  Winchester, Ontario

Current Hometown: Malta, NY

Colors: Tan, Black & White

Jordan Derue, just one of the four youngest drivers racing at the Spa Oval, was our first Driver of the Week, honored by the SHHA. Jordan brings a fresh face and new generation of excitement to racing here in Saratoga.

Having grown up as part of a family full of horsemen including his father and several uncles that train horses, one of Jordan’s fondest childhood memories is following his dad around as he worked long days as a trainer in Morrisburg, Ontario. According to Jordan, his father Jim, now a farrier here on the grounds, taught him almost everything he knows about horses including one of his most valuable skills.

“My dad taught me how to watch and feel what the horse wants to show me about them,” describes Jordan. “Knowing if the horse is sound or not is a very important part of racing.”

Having spent many hours in the barns and around the track, Jordan picked up many important lessons such as what problems trainers can encounter, as well as how to find a solution. When he was 13, Jordan’s family decided to relocate to Saratoga Springs. Shortly after, Jordan took his first job at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway working for Henry Westbrook. He later opened his own stable at the age of 18.

Jordan’s ease of speech and steady disposition carries over onto the racetrack. It’s as though he is directly connected to the hooves of his charge, pushing the horse to the next level and bringing Jordan across the finish line first. Although only having started driving in 2009, the high point in Jordan's career came in 2010 with purse monies of $500,000 and 90 wins for the year.

Jordan states that 'Overwhelming Share' was the best horse he has ever trained and owned himself. 

Jordan received the Johnny Page award for up-and-coming driver in 2009, voted in by the Saratoga Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association. 

Jordan's first win came at Vernon Downs in 2009 with Daylong Chance.  Jordan enjoys playing hockey when not driving horses.