Further Ado’s Jockey John Velazquez’s Message to Wife Amid Record-Breaking Earnings

Further Ado’s jockey, John Velazquez, is among the many greatest to ever take the saddle. It isn’t any shock that Further Ado is among the many high contenders on the Kentucky Derby.

Velazquez grew to become the primary jockey to ever high $500 million in profession earnings. The jockey’s present earnings have surpassed $519.7 million, together with $6.1 million in 2026, by America’s Best Racing.

According to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Velazquez holds the North American document because the jockey with the best profession earnings.

Ahead of the Kentucky Derby, Velazquez credited his spouse, Leona O’Brien, for his success. O’Brien grew up within the horse racing enterprise and is aware of the grind it takes to succeed.

“I don’t, actually – I never think about it!” Velazquez informed The Owner Breeder’s Edward Rosenthal when requested about his huge profession earnings. “I don’t pay attention to the numbers or purses. I’m still here, still riding, still enjoying it. I’m just very blessed to have the job I have. I prepare myself well – that’s shown on my record, and the rewards have come.

“My spouse understands the life as she was born and raised in racing. Jockeys journey quite a bit and miss quite a bit, so not having a accomplice behind you, supporting what you do, it would not work. I’m very blessed to have that.”

Here’s what you need to know about Further Ado’s jockey.

Further Ado’s Jockey, John Velazquez, Owner Eric Gustavson & Trainer Brad Cox Team Up With Kentucky Derby Contending Horse

Further Ado has removed the pedigree with Velazquez as jockey, trainer Brad Cox and owner Eric Gustavson of Spendthrift Farm. Velazquez is originally from Puerto Rico and now lives in New York.

The jockey is a 3-time Kentucky Derby winner as well as a 2-time Belmont Stakes victor and has also won the Preakness Stakes. Velazquez has had the experience of riding against Further Ado and prefers being in the saddle of the Kentucky Derby contest.

“Well, I mean, I’ve been watching this horse since he broke his maiden in Keeneland,” Velazquez told Twin Spiers during an April 25, interview. “I used to be proper subsequent to him. Well, I used to be in entrance of him and he was subsequent to me. And by the point we obtained to the half of my pole, I could not get away from him.

“It’s like, I was running and all of a sudden he passed me in the quarter pole and he won by a lot. And I was really surprised that the horse (was) winning that easily. So ever since then, I started watching him. So I’ve been watching him for a while now and we got the opportunity to ride now in the Derby.”

John Velazquez & Wife, Leona, Recently Won an Award

Velazquez and his spouse have been honored with the Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson Award from the New York Race Track Chaplaincy. The couple was celebrated for his or her “longstanding commitment to the backstretch community at Saratoga Race Course, Belmont Park and Aqueduct Racetrack,” by the New York Racing Association.

“Anyone who has spent a lot of time around the racetrack knows that the people who care for the horses are really the unsung heroes of our sport,” Velazquez stated, per NYRA.com.

“Leona and I are proud to support the various backstretch programs organized by the New York Race Track Chaplaincy and we are extremely honored and grateful to be recognized in this way.”

Jonathan Adams is a veteran sports activities contributor masking the NFL, NBA and golf for Heavy.com. His work has been prominently featured on NFL.com, Yahoo Sports, Pro Football Talk, CBS Sports, Bleacher Report and Sports Illustrated. More about Jonathan Adams