Gulfstream Park: Velazquez happy to be back in saddle

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – John Velazquez was smiling as he walked back to the jockeys’ room after the last race here Sunday, even though he had just gotten beaten in the final strides of the finale aboard Sinatra. Although it would have been nice to end the weekend on a winning note, Velazquez was just happy to finally be back riding again.

Velazquez returned to the saddle for the first time last weekend since suffering serious injuries and undergoing emergency surgery to remove his spleen after his mount Secret Compass broke down during the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies on Nov. 2.

Velazquez finally was cleared to get back on horses two weeks ago following the long recovery. He had been exercising horses at Palm Meadows to regain his fitness before making his much-anticipated return in Saturday’s fourth race aboard Monopolize for trainer Todd Pletcher.

Velazquez also rode Aurelia’s Belle to a second-place finish in the Grade 2 Forward Gal Stakes and Coup de Grace in the Grade 2 Holy Bull Stakes on Saturday.

“I wasn’t expected to ride this weekend,” Velazquez said. “I was planning to return in the beginning of February, but I was doing so well, I figured I might as well take advantage and come in and ride a few horses. I’m a little tired. I have to build up little by little, but other than that, I feel great.”

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Velazquez was named on only one horse from Wednesday through Friday and will not get back to a regular schedule until sometime next month.

“I’ll take it easy for about another week or so,” said Velazquez, racing’s career leader in earnings. “But it feels great to be back.”