There are few more famous jockeys in the United States than John Velazquez. The Puerto Rican born jockey moved to the United States in the early 90s, and quickly rose to prominence at local tracks. 

His success on the racecourse is unlike anything that any other jockey has achieved throughout modern history, winning a staggering 15 races at the Breeders’ Cup, and six Triple Crown races. 

The 52-year-old remains one of the leading jockeys in the world, and his success could reach new heights in 2024, as he targets yet more Triple Crown glory, beginning at Churchill Downs with the Kentucky Derby in early May. 

Early Life

Velazquez was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, in November 1971. He quickly developed a passion for all things horses and learned how to ride in his home country before attending jockey school for nearly two years. The jockey would quickly make a name for himself in his homeland, winning his first race in January 1990 when aboard Rodas at the local track in Canovanas. However, he had greater ambitions than winning races in Puerto Rico, and he moved to the United States in late 1990.

A huge inspiration in his professional life was Angel Cordero Jr, who took Velazquez under his wing after his move to New York. Despite struggling with the language, the jockey revealed that watching ‘The Little Mermaid’ would help him pick up English.

Early Stakes Glory

Velazquez’s ability on a horse was clear for all to see soon after he moved to the United States, as he would claim a first stakes winner in late 1990 when landing the Ticonderoga at Aqueduct. However, he would need to wait until the following year to score in graded company, as he rode Private Man to success in the Ohio Derby.

Despite racking up an impressive number of victories, it wasn’t until 1995 that he would celebrate a first Grade 1 winner in the United States, as he secured victory in the Turf Classic at Belmont Park. Velazquez would win his first riding title at Aqueduct in the same year, before winning the first of five honors at Saratoga in 1998.

The Breeders’ Cup has been a special event on the calendar throughout Velazquez’s career, and he scored a memorable first victory at the event in 1998, as Da Hoss produced a stunning comeback to win the Breeders’ Cup Mile for the second time. Further success following on track in 2001, as he set a record for the most winners in one day at Saratoga, after landing five victories.

Learn more about Velazquez future races and how to wage on them here: https://www.twinspires.com/edge/racing/wagering/ 

Further Success

Velazquez was making a dominant name for himself on track throughout the 2000s, and he gained a memorable 3,000th career winner when landing a victory at Saratoga in 2004. His success at the track would continue throughout the calendar year, recording a record 65 winners in the season at the Spa. 

Further success could come at the Breeders’ Cup in 2004, as he rode Ashado and Speightstown to success in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff and Breeders’ Cup Sprint, respectively. The 2004 season would be a standout campaign, as Velazquez ended the season with a staggering 25% win rate.

Triple Crown Glory

By the time that the 2007 Belmont Stakes came around, Velazquez had failed to register a victory in 21 attempts in Triple Crown races. However, he put that record ride when aboard Rags To Riches to land a memorable Belmont Stakes success, with the runner becoming the first filly to land victory in the race since 1905.

Johnny V would achieved further Triple Crown success in 2011, as he landed victory in the Kentucky Derby for the first time when aboard Animal Kingdom. The runner then finished second in the Preakness Stakes, losing narrowly behind Shackleford.

Union Rags would give Velazquez a third Triple Crown success in 2012 in the Belmont Stakes, before the jockey would then land success in the Breeders’ Cup Mile aboard Wise Dan.

Kentucky Derby Wins

Following having his spleen removed in 2023, Velazquez returned to action in Florida in 2014, and would surpass the $300 million mark in terms of career earnings, becoming the first jockey to achieve the feat. He would land a second victory in the Kentucky Derby in 2017 when aboard Always Dreaming, before ending the campaign with success at the Breeders’ Cup in the Distaff and Mile with Forever Unbridled and World Approval, respectively.

Velazquez achieved further Triple Crown success in 2020 after riding Authentic to a memorable success in the Kentucky Derby. He was later denied a fourth victory on Medina Spirit after the Bob Baffert runner was disqualified after winning the race due to a banned substance in 2021. More history could await Velazquez in 2024, as the world-class jockey goes in search of further Triple Crown glory.