Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez secured his 2,000th win at Belmont Park in Race 4 on Friday riding first-time starter Malathaat (No. 5, $3.70) to a 1 ¾-length victory for trainer Todd Pletcher and owner Shadwell Stable in a seven-furlong maiden special weight for juvenile fillies on the fast main track.
By Curlin, Malathaat is out of the Grade 1-winning A.P. Indy mare Dreaming of Julia who was ridden by Velazquez and trained by Pletcher throughout her career to a record of 8-4-2-1 and purse earnings of $874,500.
The 48-year-old Velazquez, inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2012, has won 6,238 career races and boasts seven Belmont riding titles [four at the spring/summer meet and three at the fall meet] to his credit.
John Velazquez, winning jockey aboard Malathaat (No. 5, $3.70*) in Race 4 for his 2,000th career victory at Belmont Park: “New York has been home to me for 30 years and to put up a number like this is big. I'm so thankful for all the opportunities I've been given and this moment is very special.
“Todd [Pletcher] has been one of my number one supporters over the years and for him to still be giving me these opportunities now is really appreciated. I really love all the people I work with and all the owners and the whole team behind the scenes.”
On his continued success: “I take pride in what I do. I come to work and I want to make sure that I do my homework and do the best that I can not only for myself but for the people that I ride for.”
On choosing one special memory from this 2,000 wins at Belmont: “Rags to Riches winning the Belmont is up there. It was my first win in a Triple Crown race after many years of trying to win a Triple Crown race. Rags to Riches gave me that first one and took the pressure off my shoulders and it was probably my most memorable win here at Belmont Park.”
Todd Pletcher, winning trainer of Malathaat (No. 5): “Johnny rode the mother [Dreaming of Julia] as well, so that's pretty cool. It's a tremendous accomplishment and it speaks volumes about the person he is and the longevity of his career. He's a great person and just a true professional.”
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