Leona Velazquez

Trainer Leo O'Brien, a long-time New York fixture as well as father-in-law of rider John Velazquez, has passed away, according to a release from the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA). He was 85. Officials at NYRA penned a tribute to O'Brien. It appears here in its entirety: NYRA mourns the loss of the legendary Leo O'Brien--trainer of New York-bred millionaires Fourstardave, Fourstars Allstar and Irish Linnet--who passed away Thursday morning following a lengthy battle with Lewy Body Dementia, at the age of 85. O'Brien and his late wife, Joan,...

John and Leona Velazquez were publicly recognized for their longstanding commitment to the backstretch community at Saratoga, Belmont and Aqueduct on Wednesday when they received the Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson Award from the New York Race Track Chaplaincy at the 18th annual fundraising brunch at the Saratoga National Golf Club, the non-profit said in a press release on Wednesday afternoon. On hand to assist with the award presentation was Marylou's Whitney's daughter, Heather Mabee. The brunch set a new record for fundraising. "Anyone who has spent much time around...

Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez and his wife Leona will be honored with the newly renamed John Hendrickson and Marylou Whitney Award by the New York Race Track Chaplaincy (NYRTC). The award recognizes the couple for their longstanding support of the New York backstretch community and will be presented at NYRTC's 18th Annual Fundraising Brunch to be held Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, at Saratoga National Golf Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. "Johnny and Leona have demonstrated a deep commitment to the backstretch community and they continue to set...