Join award-winning jockey John Velazquez for a special Tuesday edition of bloodhorse.com “Talkin’ Horses” sponsored by Equine Oxygen Therapy. Velazquez will be the guest live online at www.bloodhorse.com/talkinhorses on Tuesday, June 19 beginning at Noon ET (9:00 a.m. PT). Just over one week ago, Velazquez guided Rags to Riches to an historic victory in the Belmont Stakes. Rags to Riches was the first filly to win the Belmont Stakes in more than 100 years.

The top rider at 20 different New York track meets, Velazquez was honored with Eclipse Awards in 2004 and 2005. Velazquez and trainer Todd Pletcher have become one of the most successful tandems in North American racing history. From 1996 through June 9 Belmont, they have won 797 races together and have combined for 184 stakes wins, including 125 graded stakes wins. This year’s Belmont Stakes’ win was the first Triple Crown race win for both Velazquez and Pletcher.

Velazquez, a native of Puerto Rico, entered jockey school in his native country in June 1988 and began riding competitively one and a half years later. Since 1998, Velazquez has been represented by fellow native Puerto Rican and Hall of Fame rider Angel Cordero. In addition to Rags to Riches, Velazquez has also ridden champions Ashado, Speightstown, and Leroidesanimaux, as well as grade I winners Roses in May, Flower Alley, English Channel, Henny Hughes, Honey Ryder, and Scat Daddy.

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