Hall of Famer Javier Castellano made a welcome return to the Gulfstream Park winner's circle Thursday, scoring for the first time since undergoing clean-up surgery on his right leg in November.
The four-time Eclipse Award winner, who captured five consecutive Championship Meet riding titles at the Hallandale Beach, Fla., track, (2011-12 through 2015-16), returned from a three-month layoff Feb. 17 and broke through with Una Luna ($10), his 14th mount back, in Thursday's Race 7.
“It's good to get this one out of the way and look to the future,” said the 43-year-old Castellano, who began his career in the U.S. in South Florida after venturing from Venezuela.
Una Luna settled well behind a hot early pace in the mile optional claiming allowance on turf before entering contention and becoming involved in a three-horse battle to the wire between horses. Una Luna prevailed by a neck but had to survive an inquiry before officially providing Castellano his first win of the year.
“It was a very competitive races – three horses going to the wire. I had a lot of pressure outside, but at the same time, I had to ride my horse. I couldn't stop on my horse. The inside horse was running out of gas and ended up in a bad spot. I tried to keep my horse straight, but I didn't get much help on the outside.”
The victory was No. 5,329 for the popular riding star, whose mounts have earned more than $350 million.
“I'm very happy to be here. It's my first win back. It's very exciting,” Castellano said. “I don't have the words to describe how happy I am.”
Friday's Rainbow 6 Jackpot Pool Guaranteed at $400,000
The 20-cent Rainbow 6 jackpot pool will be guaranteed at $400,000 Friday at Gulfstream Park.
The popular multi-race wager went unsolved for the third straight racing day since a lucky bettor broke the jackpot for $712,824.06 Saturday. Multiple tickets with all six winners were each worth $6,418.48 Thursday.
The jackpot pool is only paid out when there is a single unique ticket sold with all six winners. On days when there is no unique ticket, 70 percent of that day's pool goes back to those bettors holding tickets with the most winners, while 30 percent is carried over to the jackpot pool.
There will also be a Super Hi 5 carryover in Friday's first race of $6,008.44.
WHO'S HOT: Luis Saez tripled Thursday aboard Assume Control ($16) in Race 4, Gitana ($12.60) in Race 8, and La Libertee ($8.80) in Race 9.
Trainer Antonio Sano continued a successful Championship Meet Thursday by saddling back-to-back winners – Joshy Jak ($12.40) in Race 5 and Fast Catalina ($17.40) in Race 7.
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