Hallandale Beach, FL (SportsNetwork.com) – Sunday was another special day in
jockey Javier Castellano’s riding career as the Eclipse Award winner achieved
his 4,000th career victory.
“It’s amazing. I’m so, so happy. I think it’s one of the best moments of my
life, right now. I’ve been very fortunate to ride a lot of good horses the
last few years and two Eclipse Awards back to back. I’ve won a lot of good
races, a lot of Grade 1s,” Castellano said. “Everything has gone so far in my
career. I’m very thankful and blessed.”
Castellano reached the memorable win with his third winner of the day in the
10th race at Gulfstream Park aboard Captain Stan. Earlier, he won aboard his
first mount with Stanford in the fourth race and registered win No. 3,999
aboard Tell Tale Friend in the seventh race.
“The way the race developed I felt like I had a chance to win today. My horse,
turning for home when I asked him, responded so quick and I got so emotional.
I said, ‘Wow, I’m going to win my 4,000th race,'” Castellano said. “The last
sixteenth I started worrying a little bit when my horse started getting tired.
Finally, he gave me that little extra to get the 4,000th win. It’s amazing. I
feel so proud to be participating against the best jockeys, the best colony,
in the country. It’s special.”
In 2013 Castellano set a new North American record for earnings in a calendar
year with $26,218,107. In his career, Castellano has earned more than $217
million from 22,542 mounts.
