Javier Castellano Named Jockey of the Week

Sep 2nd, 10
Jockey Javier Castellano secured his first Grade 1 victory of the season on Saturday and led all North American riders by purse earnings for the week ended August 31.

Afleet Express closed from seventh under Castellano and held off a furious charge by Fly Down to win the $1-million Travers Stakes (G1) by a nose at Saratoga Race Course. Castellano also won the $200,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap (G2) on Friday on Get Stormy and the $70,000 Ann Clare Stakes aboard Yawkey Way on Wednesday, both at Saratoga.

In all, Castellano rode ten winners from 45 starters for purse earnings of $1,152,996 during the period, pushing his season total to $8,762,722, which ranks fifth among jockeys through August 31.

Originally from Venezuela, Castellano, 32, moved to the U.S. in June 1997 to ride the Florida circuit. He later moved his tack to New York in 2001. His top mounts include 2004 Horse of the Year Ghostzapper, ’06 champion three-year-old male Bernardini, and Red Rocks (Ire), whom he rode to victory over eventual Horse of the Year Curlin in the 2008 Man o’ War Stakes (G1).  Thoroughbred Times TODAY