JC / Railbird

Jockeys Archive

Velazquez Breaks Own Record; Bailey’s Grip on Eclipse Shaky

“John Velazquez rode three winners Friday, including two for leading trainer Todd Pletcher, to break the single-season jockey victory total at Saratoga Race Course that he set last year.” (Blood-Horse)
“Even before jockey Jerry Bailey took a tumble off a ladder at his Florida home on Wednesday, his grip on an eighth Eclipse Award would have been harder to hang on to than an umbrella during Hurricane Frances. It’s not that Bailey is having a bad year. He is simply having a season that doesn’t rank with his record-setting 2003, and a couple of other riders are poised to take advantage.” (New York Daily News)

Posted in Jockeys on September 3, 2004

Stevens Leaving France

Jockey Gary Stevens will return to California on September 2, and plans to ride the last few days of the Del Mar meet and “to pursue several entertainment projects,” including a talk show and a possible movie role. (Thoroughbred Times)

Posted in Jockeys on August 24, 2004

Valenzuela Suspended for 2004

And possibly for life: “Del Mar stewards Ingrid Fermin, George Slender and Tom Ward suspended jockey Patrick Valenzuela for the rest of 2004 on Friday and recommended that the California Horse Racing Board not consider Valenzuela, 41, for future licensing.” (LA Times)

Posted in Jockeys on August 7, 2004

Bailey Now Saratoga’s Winningest Rider

With his second win of the day, jockey Jerry Bailey won his 641st race at Saratoga this afternoon, surpassing the previous record of 640 wins held by retired Hall of Fame jockey Angel Cordero. (ESPN)
Related: “Bailey breaks record for career victories at Saratoga” (New York Times)

Posted in Jockeys on August 6, 2004