About
Biography
John R. Velazquez, born on November 24, 1971, in Caguas, Puerto Rico, is a renowned American thoroughbred horse racing jockey. He began his professional career in 1989 and quickly established himself as one of the leading riders in the United States. Velazquez became the first Puerto Rican-born jockey to win a Triple Crown race when he secured victory in the 2000 Preakness Stakes.
Throughout his illustrious career, Velazquez has achieved significant milestones, including multiple victories in prestigious races such as the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, and Breeders' Cup. He has won the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey on multiple occasions and has consistently ranked among the top jockeys in terms of earnings. With over 6,000 career wins, his expertise in race strategy and horsemanship has made a lasting impact on the sport.
Velazquez’s legacy is not only defined by his numerous accolades but also by his influence on aspiring jockeys from Puerto Rico and beyond. His success has paved the way for greater representation of Latino athletes in thoroughbred horse racing. Recognized for his contributions to the sport, Velazquez continues to be a prominent figure in horse racing, inspiring future generations of jockeys.