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| Staff Writer |
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Hall of Famer, 50YO Velazquez, rode the Bill Mott-trained Precursory to victory, completing his 1,000th career race at Saratoga Racecourse. He proudly owns five Saratoga riding titles including three Gr.1 Kentucky Derby wins. He has also won The Gr.1 Belmont Stakes and the Gr.1 Travers twice. He has a pair of Eclipse Awards as the nation's outstanding jockey as well.
The winner’s circle saw an overflow crowd of friends and family, and his competing jockeys as well, as a sign of their respect. "By far, this is one of the best ones," he said when asked where this ranks with his accomplishments. Of his 6,440 wins, 1,000 of them have come at Saratoga.
Velazquez’s closest competitor in Saratoga is Javier Castellano, who has 752. After 31 days of the 40-day Saratoga meet, Velazquez has a respectable 17 wins.
"If I'm still getting the opportunity and I'm healthy and they're still riding me, I'll ride for a little longer," said Velazquez. "The day that I feel I'm not having fun and I'm not having the opportunity to ride the good horses, I can say bye anytime."