John R. Velazquez
Born:
1971-11-24
Carolina
-, Puerto Rico

Currently Residing:
New York City
New York USA

Height: -
Weight: -

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He has married Leona O’Brien who is the daughter of trainer Leo O’Brien. The couple has two children – Lerina and Michael Patrick.


Notes:
A Jockey in the Thoroughbred horse racing he started racing at an early age in the native land of Puerto Rico. He moved to the New York state and started racing under guidance of agent and former jockey Angel Cordero, Jr. He had 24 riding titles at Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack and Saratoga Race Course. He is the winner of six Breeder̢۪s Cup races and also won graded stakes races at many a venues. Till date John has ridden to more than 3,000 winners.

Statistics
Year Races Run Wins Place Show Earnings
2011 371 73 53 54 -
2010 1187 238 182 156 -
2009 1130 200 145 138 -

Facts
Major Racing Wins: Jamaica Handicap (1994, 1998, 2002), Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Handicap (1995, 2004, 2005), Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes (1995), Garden City Breeders' Cup Handicap (1995, 2005), Alabama Stakes (1996, 2003), Beldame Stakes (1996, 2005), Champagne Stakes (1996, 2004, 2006), Futurity Stakes (1996, 1998, 2006), Metropolitan Handicap (1996, 1999), Mother Goose Stakes (1996, 2001), Flower Bowl Invitational Stakes (1998, 2006), Sanford Stakes (1999, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007), Maker's Mark Mile Stakes (1999), Vagrancy Handicap (1999, 2001, 2004, 2005), Acorn Stakes (2000), Ashland Stakes (2001), Ladies Handicap (2001), Lawrence Realization Stakes (2001, 2002), Remsen Stakes (2001, 2005), Vosburgh Stakes (2001, 2006), Dwyer Stakes (2002, 2003), Frizette Stakes (2002, 2005), Matron Stakes (2002), Personal Ensign Handicap (2002, 2004), Suburban Handicap (2002), Whitney Handicap (2002, 2007, 2008), Saranac Handicap (2003), Kentucky Oaks (2004), Sabin Stakes (2004, 2005), Blue Grass Stakes (2005), Brooklyn Handicap (2005), Clark Handicap (2005), Travers Stakes (2005), Louisiana Derby (2007), Orchid Handicap (2005, 2006, 2008), Saratoga Breeders' Cup Handicap (2005), Fountain of Youth Stakes (2007), Beaugay Handicap (2008), Prioress Stakes (2008), Test Stakes (1996, 1999, 2008), La Brea Stakes (2008), Massachusetts Handicap (2000, 2008), Richter Scale Sprint Handicap (2007, 2008), Old Hat Stakes (2005, 2008, 2009) and Florida Derby (2009). American Classic Race & Breeders' Cup wins: Belmont Stakes (2007), Breeders' Cup Mile (1998), Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (2000, 2002), Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (2002), Breeders' Cup Distaff (2004) and Breeders' Cup Sprint (2004). International race wins: Woodbine Mile (2000, 2005), E. P. Taylor Stakes (2004, 2005), Dubai World Cup (2005), Queen Mary Stakes (2009). Racing Awards: United States Champion Jockey by earnings (2004, 2005), Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey (2004, 2005), George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award (2009). Significant Horses: Da Hoss, Storm Flag Flying, Lemon Drop Kid, Ashado, Kitten's Joy, Flower Alley, Lawyer Ron, Roses in May, Bluegrass Cat, Circular Quay, Scat Daddy, Rags to Riches, Commentator, Indian Blessing