Horse racing is a sport that dates back centuries, and throughout that time certain names shine with a brilliance that’s hard to ignore.
One such luminary is John R. Velazquez, a jockey who has left an indelible mark on the sport.
A jockey that started with horse racing at a young age and climbed the ladder of success and become the winner of prestigious events like the Belmont Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup.
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In today’s article, we will take a closer look at John R. Velazquez’s life, from his early days to becoming a household name in the horse racing industry.
Early Life
Back on November 24, 1971, in Carolina, Puerto Rico, John R. Velazquez was born with a twinkle in his eye for horses. Imagine a kid who loved horses so much that it became his life’s compass. That’s him. He followed that compass to jockey school in Puerto Rico, where he honed his skills and turned his passion into a calling.
As he crossed the waters to the United States in 1990, his talent echoed louder than his footsteps. With a natural connection to the horses he rode, Velazquez soon became a jockey in demand, making a name for himself on the racing stage.
His Professional Career and Achievements
You know, success is like a marathon – it takes sweat, heart, and a whole lot of grit. And Velazquez had that in spades. His career is painted with some seriously impressive strokes.
Picture this: three Kentucky Derby wins Animal Kingdom (2011) and Always Dreaming (2017) and 2020 with Authentic. These wins? They’re not just victories; they’re landmarks that put Velazquez on the map as one of the best jockeys around.
But hold your horses, there’s more. Velazquez’s trophy cabinet isn’t limited to Derby wins. He’s aced the Belmont Stakes, the Breeders’ Cup, Preakness Stakes, and more. He’s like a maestro who dances effortlessly across different types of races and tracks.
Height, Weight, and Age
John R. Velazquez is a true champion in the world of horse racing and without a doubt one of the most successful jockeys of all time. He has more than 6,000 career wins throughout his career.
But what about his physique?
Well, he is relatively small (which is a good thing in horse racing) coming at 5ft 6in (168cm) and weights 112 lb or 51 kg.
What’s astonishing is his age. Even dough he is in the fifth decade of his life (51 years old) he is still actively involved in horse racing and even managed to get a win at Preakness Stakes this year (2023).
Net Worth
With more than 6,000 professional wins in horse racing, it is no secret that John R. Velazquez made a fortune.
The exact amount of money he made or his fee for riding remains unknown, but this doesn’t mean that we cannot speculate.
According to multiple sources, John Velazquez’s net worth back in 2021 was estimated to be around $30 million, and it is a lot more now considering that he got some big wins since then.
John Velazquez Family
The legendary jockey is married to Leona O’Brien, which also comes from a horse-riding family, and they’ve apparently met at her dad’s races.
The couple started dating back in 1994 and soon after they got married at the Garden City, inviting around 200 guests. They have two children together, a son and a daughter, and live in New York.
Final Words
John Velazquez is one of the most successful jockeys that the sport has ever seen. John R. Velazquez’s biography is a testament to the passion, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence. From his roots in Puerto Rico to his international acclaim, his journey is one that resonates with anyone who admires dedication and triumph over adversity.
