Velazquez Registers 800th Saratoga Victory
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With a four-wide move off the turn, John Velazquez rallied Run a Dubb Dubb to win the opening race Saturday, Aug. 22 at Saratoga Race Course, earning the Racing Hall of Fame rider his 800th win at the storied track .
No jockey has won more Saratoga races than Velazquez, who in 2013 passed Jerry Bailey into first place with win 694. He continues to add to the record total.
"I've been very lucky and blessed. Just to be mentioned with some of the greatest riders here is incredible," Velazquez said. "I think I had a bit of an advantage because there has been more racing over the last 10 years. The meet has been longer so I've had a chance to ride more."
The milestone win Saturday came aboard Zilla Racing Stable's Run a Dubb Dubb, who completed the seven-furlong claiming race for New York-bred fillies and mares in 1:24.01. Run a Dubb Dubb is trained by Jeremiah Englehart.
Velazquez, 43, has finished as the Saratoga meet's leading rider five times and he doesn't see 1,000 Saratoga wins as out of reach.
"You're always trying to find that next good horse, and there's still a few races out there I haven't won," Velazquez said. "You never know. If I can stay healthy, maybe we'll go for 1,000."