Castellano Wins Riding Title at Belmont

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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Javier Castellano

Jockey Javier Castellano won his first riding title since 2007 on the New York Racing Association circuit when he edged Ramon Dominguez by two victories at the conclusion of Belmont Park’s fall meet.

Castellano rode three winners Oct. 28, to go up 42-40 over Dominguez and assure himself the title. Although Castellano rode at Keeneland Oct. 29, live racing was cancelled at Belmont after three races that afternoon, and Oct. 30, as a result of inclement weather. John Velazquez took third place with 27 winners. Fall meet highlights for Castellano included wins in the grade I Garden City (Winter Memories) grade I Champagne (Union Rags), and grade II Gallant Bloom (Pomeroys Pistol).

Trainer David Jacobson, who saddled the first grade I winner of his career during the 2011 Saratoga meet, enjoyed further success at Belmont, topping the trainer standings with 15 victories for his first NYRA meet title. Rudy Rodriguez was second with 13 winners, and Bruce Brown took third with 12.

The leading owner was Flying Zee Stables, whose principle, Carl Lizza, passed away July 8. Flying Zee Stables clinched the owner title with 12 victories, including wins in the grade III Miss Grillo (Pure Gossip) and Bertram F. Bongard (Night Maneuver).

With the conclusion of Belmont Park’s fall meet, New York racing moves to Aqueduct Racetrack beginning Friday, Nov. 4, and running through Saturday, Dec. 31, with live racing Wednesday through Sunday.

On most days, gates open at 11 a.m. with a first post time of 12:20 p.m. There will be a special post time of 11:25 a.m. Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving Day) and noon post times Nov. 25 (Black Friday) and Nov. 26 (Cigar Mile Day). Simulcasting is held at Aqueduct and the Belmont Café seven days a week.
 

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