2011 Kentucky Derby Winning Jockey John Velazquez Presented Bill Hartack Memorial Award at Gulfstream Park

MEDIA CONTACT: The Estopinal Group Gulfstream Park Denise A. Estopinal David Joseph Ph: (504)-269-9233 Ph: (954)-658-7156 [email protected] [email protected] For Immediate Release March 21, 2012 2011 Kentucky Derby Winning Jockey John Velazquez Presented Bill Hartack Memorial Award at Gulfstream Park Hallandale Beach, Fla. ... Today, John Velazquez, the winning jockey aboard 2011 Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom, received the Bill Hartack Memorial Award at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida. The award recognizes the winning jockey of the Kentucky Derby, the first race of the prestigious Triple Crown Series. The Bill Hartack Foundation's award honors the memory and lifetime achievements of Bill Hartack, one of only two jockeys to win the Kentucky Derby five times. In the winner's circle, with family, friends and industry colleagues at his side, Velazquez was presented the award by officials of the Bill Hartack Charitable Foundation and Gulfstream Park following the running of the Bill Hartack Memorial Race. A reception was held immediately following the race in the Ten Palms American Kitchen to honor the talented and selfless jockey and his contributions to Thoroughbred racing. This year marks the inaugural partnership between Gulfstream Park and the Bill Hartack Charitable Foundation that brings national attention to the racing industry and the extraordinarily talented and selfless Thoroughbred racing jockey. The partnership between these two racing organizations not only celebrates and honors the skill and discipline of the Thoroughbred racing jockey but also raises philanthropic dollars for Thoroughbred racing related charities. Gulfstream Park The Bill Hartack Charitable Foundation The Bill Hartack Charitable Foundation was established by the friends of the late Bill Hartack to honor the memory and lifetime achievements of the five-time Kentucky Derby winner. The foundation, through its philanthropic arm, annually contributes to Thoroughbred racing industry charities and recognizes the jockey who rides the Kentucky Derby winner each year with the Bill Hartack Memorial Award. Bill Hartack was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1959 at the early age of 27 and recognized as one of the most competitive and successful riders in Thoroughbred racing history. Gulfstream Park Since 1939, Gulfstream Park has been one of the most important horseracing venues in America. Each year from December through April, the world's top Thoroughbred contenders pass through Gulfstream Park with their eye on Triple Crown glory. John Velazquez Born in 1971, John R. Velazquez began horse racing on his home island of Puerto Rico. Velazquez honed his skills at New York's Saratoga Racetrack, Belmont Park and Aqueduct Racetrack. He has succeeded at winning races on the track while providing industry leadership off the track. In addition to his thrilling 2011 Kentucky Derby victory aboard Animal Kingdom, Velazquez was the top earning jockey in both 2004 and 2005. He has won over 4,200 career races, including six Breeders' Cup races, the Dubai World Cup, the Belmont Stakes and the Kentucky Oaks. Past Hartack Award Recipients Kent Desormeaux: Hall of Fame jockey and champion of the 2008 Kentucky Derby with winning horse Big Brown. John Velazquez Desormeaux, a Louisiana native, received the first Bill Hartack Memorial Award. Calvin Borel: Three-time Kentucky Derby winner won the Derby aboard Street Sense in 2007, Mine That Bird in 2009 and Super Saver in 2010. The 2009 win was an especially momentous occasion in Thoroughbred racing as Louisiana native Calvin Borel rode Mine That Bird to victory despite 50-1 odds, the second-longest shot to win in Kentucky Derby history. ________________________________________________________________________________________ .

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