Home / Sports / Hall of Famer Velazquez Surpasses 800 Stakes Wins
Hall of Famer Velazquez Surpasses 800 Stakes Wins
6 Aug
Summary
- Johnny Velazquez achieved his 800th graded stakes victory at Saratoga.
- He secured three additional stakes wins at Colonial Downs on Saturday.
- Velazquez leads active jockeys with 801 graded stakes wins.
Johnny Velazquez, a Hall of Famer, reached a significant career milestone on Friday at Saratoga with his 800th North American graded stakes win. This achievement came aboard Local Knowledge in the Amsterdam Stakes (G2).
Velazquez continued his winning streak on Saturday at Colonial Downs, securing three additional stakes victories. He won the Petramalo Mile aboard Sabino Canyon, the Van Clief Stakes on My Boy Prince, and the Beverly D. (G2) with Gimme a Nother.
With these wins, Velazquez now boasts 801 graded stakes victories, placing him at the pinnacle of the sport. This surpasses Jerry Bailey's retired total of 660 wins and puts him ahead of active jockeys Mike Smith (654) and Javier Castellano (511).
Velazquez is scheduled to continue racing at Saratoga this week and will also compete in the West Virginia Derby (G3) at Mountaineer on Sunday.
