The 41-year-old Velazquez reached the pinnacle of his profession last spring when he was voted for induction into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where the Hall is located.

            In a fortuitous turn of events, Velazquez captured his first Kentucky Derby in 2011 with Animal Kingdom. He was scheduled to ride one of the favorites, Uncle Mo, who was scratched on Derby eve, picking up the mount on Animal Kingdom from Robby Albarado, who was injured in a pre-race spill three days before the race.

            The Preakness remains the only Triple Crown race Velazquez has yet to win. He finished fifth in each of his first three tries, on Big Drama (2009), Stevil (2008) and Circular Quay (2007), before running second in 2011 with Animal Kingdom and 10^th last year with Went the Day Well. Velazquez captured the Belmont Stakes with filly Rags to Riches in 2007 and Union Rags in 2012.

            Velazquez entered jockey school in his native Puerto Rico in 1988, earning his first victory there two years later at El Commadante. He moved to the U.S. in March 1990 under the tutelage of retired Hall of Famer Angel Cordero Jr., who now works as his agent.

            Son-in-law of trainer Leo O’Brien, Velazquez won $19,875,351 in purses from 188 victories in 2012, leading the country with 13 Grade 1 wins. His resume includes 11 Breeders’ Cup wins, the Eclipse Award as top jockey in 2004 and 2005, the 2005 Dubai World Cup and the 2009 George Woolf Memorial Award.

            On Sept. 28, 2008 at Belmont Park, Velazquez earned career victory No. 4,000 aboard Rogue Agent.      He has 26 riding titles in New York, leading the circuit in total wins from 2001-2004; is a four-time winner of the Eddie Arcaro Award as presented by the NY Turf Writers Association; and was chosen top rider at the 2004 Breeders’ Cup.