Drayden Van Dyke is in the midst of a breakout year as one of Thoroughbred racing’s rising star jockeys. The 23-year-old enters Del Mar’s final race day of its summer meet with a three-win lead over Flavien Prat in the rider standings (40 to 37), and also leads all jockeys in earnings with a total of $2,585,857. On Aug. 18, he tied a Del Mar record with seven wins on a single racecard. Van Dyke, a native of Louisville, Ky., who began his professional career in 2013, recently participated in a Q&A with America’s Best Racing (follow him on Twitter):

My introduction to horse racing occurred when:

I started to visit my father during summer break from school when I was about 12.

What I like about Thoroughbred racing:

There’s a lot I like! But the friends and family you gain in the racetrack community is special.

How I became a jockey:

A LOT of hard work and dedication, and I was given a special opportunity to learn at Glen Hill Farm how to break babies (young racehorses).

Favorite place at the racetrack to watch a race:

When I’m in front of everyone on my horse, and I look at the screen in the infield to see how far in front I am.

Should the Breeders’ Cup rotate from coast-to-coast or have a permanent home:

I don’t care where it is – I just want to ride in it as much as I can!

My top three favorite racetracks in order:

Del Mar, Santa Anita Park, Keeneland.

With Jerry Hollendorfer. (Eclipse Sportswire)

Most influential person/people in my career:

My dad, Tom Proctor, Mike Smith, Gary Stevens.

My out-of-the-box idea for Thoroughbred racing:

Having an indoor arena racetrack.

Other sports/teams I follow:

Golf.

Favorite athletes of all time:

Bruce Lee, Bill Shoemaker.

What books I am reading or have recently  read:

All I read is the Daily Racing Form!

Favorite magazines:

BloodHorse.

Hobbies away from Thoroughbred racing:

Golf, working out, basketball.

Favorite movies:

Pulp Fiction, Seabiscuit, Step Brothers, Talladega Nights.

Favorite television shows I watch:

“Snowfall,” “The Price Is Right.”

Favorite foods:

Salmon, almonds, avocado, fruits, frozen grapes!

Favorite vacation spot:

Del Mar!

Favorite musicians/bands:

Drake, Migos, Travis Scott, Wiz Khalifa.

Favorite actor:

Will Ferrell.

Top websites I visit daily:

Twitter, Instagram, Stadium Goods, Mr. Porter, Equibase, Snapchat.

I’d like to have dinner with the following three people inside racing (who I have never dined with):

Todd Pletcher, D. Wayne Lukas, Britney Eurton.

I’d like to have dinner with the following three people outside of racing (who I have never dined with):

Kevin Hart, Will Ferrell, Warren Buffett.

Seven wins at Del Mar. (BENOIT photo)

The best racetrack food can be found at:

Keeneland, Oaklawn Park, Santa Anita Park.

Accomplishment I am most proud of:

Seven wins in one racecard at Del Mar.

My philosophy on life:

Every day is not promised, so live and love life and the people around you.

Things I collect:

Shoes and clothes.

Favorite charities:

Permanent Disabled Jockeys Fund.

Favorite animal other than a horse:

Dogs (see below).

My pets are:

A dog named Gucci.

Favorite non-Thoroughbred racing sports event I have attended:

Ryder Cup.

Three words that define what Thoroughbred racing means to me:

Living My Dream.

Favorite top three fashion brands I prefer to wear:

Gucci, Valentino, Adidas.

Favorite month of the year:

May (the first Saturday of).

Winning a stakes with Catapult. (Eclipse Sportswire)

What apps are on my phone:

YouTube, Zillow, Horse Races NOW, Golf Now, Postmates.

If I could pick walk-up music that would play when I enter the paddock, the song would be:

“Walk It, Talk It” by Migos.

Favorite all-time racehorse:

Justify.

Favorite international racing event:

Royal Ascot.

Three ways to attract more fans to the sport:

1) Better advertisements on regular television.

2) Continue to have fun events at racetracks to attract a younger crows.

3) Better social media outlets.