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 Gulfstream Park to Host Bill Hartack Memorial Award Event to Honor 2011 Kentucky Derby Winning Jockey John Velazquez New Orleans - March 16, 2012 - Today, officials of the Bill Hartack Charitable Foundation announced Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida will host the organization's annual event honoring the winning jockey of the Kentucky Derby, the first race of the prestigious Triple Crown series. The Foundation's annual presentation of the Bill Hartack Memorial Award honors the memory and lifetime achievements of Bill Hartack, one of only two jockeys to win the Kentucky Derby five times. John Velazquez, the winning jockey aboard 2011 Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom, will receive the Bill Hartack Memorial Award. With family, friends and industry colleagues at his side, Velazquez will be presented the award on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 in the Gulfstream Park winner's circle following the running of the tenth and final race of the day, the Bill Hartack Memorial Race. A reception honoring Velazquez will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Ten Palms American Kitchen and Stone Crab Parlor, located on the 2nd floor of the Club House. Contributions are welcome at the door to benefit Thoroughbred racing charities. Velazquez will sign ceremonial programs commemorating the 2011 Kentucky Derby victory. Hartack Foundation Board Member Mike Stidham acknowledged the officials of Gulfstream Park for embracing the charitable mission and partnering with the Hartack organization to recognize Johnny Velazquez's outstanding 2011 Kentucky Derby ride. Stidham said, "It is our privilege to work with Gulfstream Park to bring national attention to the racing industry and the extraordinarily talented and selfless Thoroughbred racing jockey. This year's award recipient, John Velazquez, personifies skill, discipline and grace. He is an outstanding role model and a shining star in the racing industry." 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. President and General Manager Tim Ritvo emphasized the Gulfstream Park family strives to provide the finest racing in the country, as well as recognize and give back to outstanding individuals Gulfstream Park and organizations that have made significant contributions to the Thoroughbred racing industry. "We are pleased to partner with the Bill Hartack Charitable Foundation to celebrate and honor the skill and discipline of the Thoroughbred racing jockey and to raise philanthropic dollars for Thoroughbred racing related charities. It is our privilege to mark the outstanding achievements of Johnny Velazquez and commemorate his thrilling Kentucky Derby ride aboard Animal Kingdom," said Ritvo. For additional information about the event at Gulfstream Park, to learn more about the Bill Hartack Charitable Foundation or to donate through the foundation's philanthropic arm to Thoroughbred racing industry charities, contact Christine Gourgeot (504) 293-2647 or [email protected]. 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. 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 Jockey John Vela foundation 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. During Bill Hartack's lifetime, he held the title of United States' leading jockey four times throughout his career in Thoroughbred horse racing. He is one of only two jockeys to ever win the Kentucky Derby five times and was the first rider to have purse earnings of more than $3 million in a season. He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1959 at the early age of 27 where he was recognized as one of the most competitive and successful riders in Thoroughbred racing history. Past Award Recipients Kent Desormeaux: Hall of Fame jockey and champion of the 2008 Kentucky Derby with winning horse Big Brown. 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. ________________________________________________________________________________________ .