When it comes to horse racing royalty, there is no other than John R. Velazquez. This is one of the most successful jockeys of all time. Velazques is born in Puerto Rico in 1971, which is where he started his professional career as a jockey, an after moving to New York and the big leagues in the 1990s.
So, what makes him so special? Well, for starters, we are talking about a man in his mid-50s and still going hard in horse racing. That alone deserves applause. He also entered the Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2012 and rode his 5,000th winner in 2013.
He has won not one, not two, but fifteen Breeders’ Cup races, six Triple Crown races as recent as 2020, and he doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.
Clearly, we are talking about a highly successful jockey, but how did he end up in that place, and how much money does a top-tier jockey earn? Let’s find out.
Early Life & Getting Started
As we mentioned before, Velázquez was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico. And being a jockey didn’t come out of the sky so unexpectedly. As a young man, he always loved being around horses, which is why he attended jockey school in Puerto Rico. He rode his first winner on January 3, 1990, at the El Nuevo Comandante racetrack.
But the industry quickly recognized his talent, and he was pushed into moving to New York to pursue his career in the United States (wise choice).
At that time, things were going difficult for him. First of all, he was in an unfamiliar place, and someone that has been dropped into the big league without much preparation. That’s why he faced a steep learning curve. His English wasn’t his first language, the competition was even crazier than today and establishing himself in the U.S. racing world meant proving his skill and opening plenty of opportunities.
But talent isn’t the only thing that makes people great. There is also being at the right place at the right time, and some luck. In his early days, after a few races in New York, he caught the attention of Hall-of-Fame jockey and agent Ángel Cordero Jr., who became a significant mentor and supporter of his career.
Making a Name for Himself
Even as a beginner in a chaotic world, Velázquez managed to build a steady momentum in his early New York days. He was extremely focused on what he wanted and spent most of his time at the racetrack or stable. He began grabbing some major victories in just a few years, including his first Grade I win in 1995.
As 1998, he already had won multiple riding titles, including at Saratoga, which helped him to establish a name for himself as one of the industry’s top racing talents.
So, what’s his secret? Well, the people who worked with him praise his ability to stay calm and confident under pressure. This is where most jockeys crumble. Also he is a workaholic. He spent most of his early days training with incredible focus and determination.
These were the things that set him apart from the competition
Major Victories & Hall of Fame Honor
Velázquez has an impressive resume. He has won multiple editions of America’s greatest races, including the Kentucky Derby (2011, 2017, 2020) and the Belmont Stakes twice, and the Preakness Stakes in 2023.
He has more than 20 prestigious Breeders’ Cup World Championship wins across his career, which is why he was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and the Hall of Fame in 2012.
Velazquez is also racing in the 2025 Breeders’ Cup with Tommy Jo (a horse trained by Todd A. Pletcher), and no wonder this horse is a favorite. It has the best team behind it. So, first learn more about odds on horse racing, then research these horses if you want to place a bet. One thing is for sure: Tommy Jo has a big chance.
Career Statistics: Wins & Earnings
According to the Hall of Fame record, as of 2024 Velazquez has 6,677 career wins and total purse earnings of about $509,481,393(at the time of writing) in North America.
It’s important to clarify: the “purse earnings” number reflects the total prize money won by the horses he rode—not how much he personally took home. Jockeys typically receive a portion of those winnings (a share of the “winner’s” purse for the horse).
Net Worth Estimate
Popular athletes don’t just publicly display their net worth, right? Well, the same thing is with Velázquez. But this doesn’t stop us from assuming, right?
According to multiple sources, Velazquez’s net worth is around $14 million (as of July 2025), but I think he has more. After all, he earns 5-10% of prize purses, which means he got anywhere from $20-$40 million before expenses, from his $493 million. This doesn’t include investments in other things, sponsorships and etc.
So, his net worth might be significantly higher $14 million.
Personal Life & Character
Beyond the racetrack, Velazquez is married to Leona O’Brien (daughter of trainer Leo O’Brien), and they have two children, Lerina and Michael Patrick. He’s also been active within the jockey community, serving roles in organizations like the Jockeys’ Guild and on the board of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.
Final Words
Velázquez is without a doubt one of the most successful jockeys in history, and he deserves everything he has right now. He managed to come from a small place and enter the big horse racing world with his head up high, all thanks to his incredible talent, horse riding skills, and determination.