Velazquez Splits With Cordero as Anderson Takes Book

Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez has hired veteran agent Ron Anderson to handle his book, parting ways with longtime mentor and agent Angel Cordero Jr.

The news was first reported by Mike Welsch of Daily Racing Form.

Anderson, who also manages Joel Rosario, will continue to handle that rider's business. Umberto Rispoli, whom he represented along with Rosario this winter at the Santa Anita Park meet, will remain in California for the time being and seek new representation. Agents are only permitted to manage two riders at a time.

Through Friday, Velazquez had 6,174 wins from 33,803 starts and earnings of $416,022,630. According to Daily Racing Form, Velazquez said his decision to end a long association with Cordero was a difficult one.

“I came to live with Angel. He’s the one who brought me to New York. It’s been something like 31 years now we’ve been together,” Velazquez told Daily Racing Form. “I love him. He’s been great for me and great for my career. But I’m getting older, and I just wanted to try something different.”    

"Johnny called me and said, 'Are you interested?' And I said, 'Of course!' I'm honored he would even consider me," Anderson said when reached Feb. 29 by BloodHorse. "It was kind of a startling situation that opened up. He made me an offer I couldn't refuse. I'm excited and honored he's chosen me. He's one of the most elite riders we've seen in the last 20 years. He's a good guy. People like to do business with him and want him. He's taken care of himself. He's professional and respected."

Anderson, a California native, is one of the sport's best-known agents, having represented elite riders like Gary Stevens, Jerry Bailey, the late Garrett Gomez, and the late Chris Antley. He will arrive in Florida March 2 and return later to Santa Anita through April 4 to conclude business there before going on to Keeneland with Velazquez and Rosario.

"Joel is out of town a lot for the Rebel (G2), Arkansas Derby (G1), the Dubai World Cup (G1), and the Sunland Park Derby (G3)," Anderson said. "We'll just transition to the end of the month and head out to Keeneland."

Anderson said he regrets having to part ways with Rispoli, whom he believes has a bright future ahead of him. The leading rider in Italy in 2009 and 2010, Rispoli was represented by Anderson at Santa Anita starting in December.

"The sky's the limit for him," Anderson said. "This guy is scary, scary good. He's not only scary good on a horse's back, he's scary good in his preparation, and he's scary good in the mornings. He's a star. He could end up anywhere in the future."