JAvier CASTeLlaNO, BOARD MEMBER

Javier Castellano was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela. Both his father and uncle were jockeys and his younger brother, Abel, also became a professional rider. After starting his career in Venezuela, Castellano moved to Florida and rode his first North American winner, Phone Man, on July 31, 1997. He won his first graded stake the following year and in 2001 earned his first Grade 1 wins, riding Exogenous to wins in the Beldame Stakes and Gazelle Handicap. In 2023, Castellano won the Kentucky Derby aboard Mage and the Belmont Stakes with Arcangelo. Castellano is one of only two jockeys to win four consecutive Eclipse Awards; he set the single-year record for purse earnings; he has won 12 Breeders’ Cup races, four Triple Crown events, and a record seven editions of the Travers Stakes; through 2023, he has 5,743 career wins and ranks second all-time in earnings with more than $396 million. Castellano topped all North American riders in earnings in his Eclipse Award-winning years (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016) and led the national standings in wins in 2013 and 2015. His $28.1 million in earnings in 2015 set a record. He has also been one of the most successful riders at the Breeders’ Cup. Castellano currently lives in Garden City with his wife, Abby, and three children, Kayla, Sienna, and Brady.