TDN Q & A: Javier Castellano

At the relatively young age of 41, Javier Castellano is riding in arguably the best form of his career. The Eclipse Award-winning jockey each year from 2013 through 2016, the native of Venezuela took his Breeders' Cup tally to 10 winners with victories astride City of Light (Quality Road) in the GI Dirt Mile and atop Bulletin (City Zip) in the inaugural running of the Juvenile Turf Sprint. Those successes came on the heels of career victory number 5,000, but the humble Hall of Famer is not ready to rest on his laurels. Next Wednesday, Castellano will make his second appearance in the Longines International Jockeys' Championship at the world-famous Happy Valley Racecourse, facing off with the likes of Ryan Moore, Christophe Lemaire, Hugh Bowman and defending IJC champion Zac Purton. Castellano was gracious enough to take time from his busy schedule to speak with the TDN's Alan Carasso about the job ahead in Hong Kong and his future aspirations.

TDN: What does it mean to you to be chosen to compete in the Longines International Jockeys' Championship?

Javier Castellano: I have been very lucky throughout my career and I am very fortunate to have to compete against some of the best jockeys in the world. I am very excited about and thankful for the opportunity. There are so many outstanding jockeys in the United States, and it is a great honor for me to be selected. Any one of my fellow jockeys could be in my position and I am very appreciative to be going to Hong Kong.

TDN: You competed in the 2006 IJC, the same year you earned your first Classic with Bernardini in the GI Preakness S. What do you remember about that experience?

JC: It is a very unique competition. Obviously the other jockeys are in the competition are extremely talented and it will be very tough to win. I remember how great the atmosphere was at Happy Valley, and the fans there in Hong Kong are so passionate about horse racing, they really love the sport. I remember looking over from the track to the grandstand and seeing it packed with people.

TDN: What specific challenges does riding at Happy Valley present?

JC: It's a very different kind of racecourse, with tight corners. The backstretch is long and climbs a hill and then another tight corner into the homestretch. A lot of horses are trying for the same spot on the track and it makes it very challenging to ride. In the U.S., we do have those sorts of tight tracks, like Charles Town and Delta Downs. In order to do well at tracks like this, you have to be willing to make adjustments to the track. You have to be smart.

TDN: You became one of just a handful of jockeys in U.S. history to ride 5,000 winners last month. How meaningful was that to you?

JC: It meant a great deal to me because I have been working towards that for a long time. I don't take anything for granted, I am so grateful to be in this spot and I am thankful for everyone that has given me the opportunity to allow me to win my 5,000th race. I am always challenging myself, I want to be the best jockey in the country. I thank God for giving me the skill to ride horses. I could not have done it without the support of my wife, Abby, and my three kids. My career is not an easy one. When you see those kinds of numbers, 5,000 winners is not easy. You have to go through a lot to get there. A lot of moments, a lot of ups and downs, a lot of luck to be successful in this sport. I am very glad to be a part of this. Also, being in the Hall of Fame is something I can carry with me for the rest of my life. My agents have worked so hard to find me the best horses around so I can compete and allow me to do my job to the very best of my ability.

TDN: What jockeys, or people, have you tried to emulate in your life?

JC: I looked up to my dad, he was my role model in my life. He was also a jockey and I always wanted to be like my dad. He was a top jockey in my country and I grew up with that. I always wanted to a jockey so badly.

TDN: You are arguably riding in the best form of your career. What are some of your goals for the immediate future and beyond?

JC: I always have a goal and I am a very competitive person, so I have a lot more to accomplish. I feel well right now, I am 41 years old and I would like to continue to ride for nine or 10 more years. Hopefully I can remain in good health and if that's the case, I hope I can reach 6,000 wins and maybe even 7,000 wins. I would like to win the Derby, that's a dream of mine. It's a race that I've never won and one day I'd like to reach that goal. I want to be consistent and remain competitive. I have always had a lot of respect for John Velazquez. He's one of the greatest of all time. He is enjoying himself right now, closing in on his 6,000th, he's won two Kentucky Derbies. Those are the types of goals I am always looking to achieve and trying to get to that sort of level. (NB: Velazquez earned his 6,000th victory at Aqueduct Friday, Nov. 30).