Jockeys’ Guild | Support, Benefits & Services

LEXINGTON, KY (September 23, 2026) Hall of Famer Javier Castellano traveled from his New York base to Parx Race Course to ride on Saturday taking home the trophy in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) aboard The Puma. It was the 3-year-old colt’s first Grade 1 victory.

The panel of racing experts voted Castellano Jockey of the Week September 14-20.

Castellano has been the rider of The Puma in five of his seven starts including a victory in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) defeating fellow Pennsylvania Derby entrant Further Ado. After a second place finish by a nose in the Florida Derby (G1) to Commandment, The Puma was pointed to the Kentucky Derby (G1) only to be scratched with a skin infection on the day of the race.

The colt then posted a fourth in the Haskell (G1) and a fourth in the Travers (G1).

Immediately after the Travers, Castellano suggested to trainer Gustavo Delgado that he should add blinkers to the colt’s equipment for his next start. Gustavo took that advice and The Puma was equipped with blinkers for his next start, the Pennsylvania Derby (G1).

Off as the second choice at 5-2 in the field of 10, The Puma raced in eighth as favorite Further Ado raced in fourth. Castellano steered The Puma six-wide at the top of the stretch and into the lead.

While The Puma had a three length lead in mid-stretch, Further Ado was mounting a late run from fourth but fell short by a half length in a thrilling finish as The Puma prevailed in 1:49.10 for a mile and one-eighth.

“With blinkers, focused,” said Castellano. “I moved, when I asked he gave it to me right away. At some point I said, ‘Oh my God, you moved too early Javier.’ But he felt good, he was happy and it was a great performance.”

Castellano, who won his 6,000th career race on August 26th at Saratoga, will be riding at Belmont Park all week with mounts in the Vosburgh (G3) aboard Buttah, winner of the John Morrissey at Saratoga with Castellano aboard, and Opulent Restraint (IRE) in the Flower Bowl (G2) for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott on Saturday.

Other nominees for Jockey of the Week included Micah Husbands who won the Cotillion (G1) at Parx, Paco Lopez with stakes wins at Presque Isle Downs and Parx, Jose Ortiz who won the Gallant Bob (G2) at Parx and Edgard Zayas who won the Presque Isle Downs Masters (G2).

Statistics provided by: Equibase

Photo: EQUI-PHOTO/Bill Denver

It is an honor to serve as Co-Chairmen of the Jockeys' Guild. Alongside our fellow Board members and dedicated staff, we are committed to representing every Guild member and strengthening the programs, benefits, and resources that support jockeys and their families.

As we begin this new chapter, we also want to recognize the extraordinary leadership of Johnny Velazquez. After nearly two decades serving as Chairman and later Co-Chairman, Johnny leaves an incredible legacy of service to the Guild and our industry. While stepping aside from the Co-Chair role, he remains an active Board member, and we are honored to continue building upon the foundation he helped create.

Since 1940, the Jockeys' Guild has existed to serve one purpose: to be the unified voice of professional jockeys. Together, we continue working to improve safety, advocate for fair compensation, expand insurance and wellness benefits, provide mental health resources, and create new educational opportunities through the Jockeys' Guild Education Foundation.

Thank you for your continued support and for the pride you take in being a member of the Jockeys' Guild.

By uniting jockeys under one national organization, the Guild strengthens safety standards, protects livelihoods, and advocates for long-term industry reform. Its presence in the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing industry creates accountability, elevates professional standards, and helps secure a sustainable future for both riders and the sport itself.

With a forward-looking approach, the Guild continues to anticipate challenges, innovate protections, and ensure that every jockey—past, present, and future—has the support and advocacy they deserve.