John Velazquez’s net worth 2025: John Velazquez is a Puerto Rican hockey in Thoroughbred horse racing. Curious to learn more about him? Read on as we take you through the biography, age, height, family, house, personal life, education, salary, earnings, and net worth of John Velazquez. As a bonus, you’ll also learn how John Velazquez made his fortune.
Who is John Velazquez and How Much is He Worth?
| Full Name | John R Velazquez |
| Date of Birth | November 24, 1971 |
| Age | 53 Years |
| Profession | Jockey |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.65 m) |
| Nationality | Puerto Rican |
| Source of Wealth | Horse Jockey |
| Annual Salary | $50 Million |
| Net Worth | $300 Million |
| Last Updated | January 2025 |
John R. Velazquez is a Puerto Rican jockey in Thoroughbred horse racing with an estimated net worth of $300 million. Velazquez started his career in Puerto Rico before moving to New York in 1990. In 2004 and 2005 he was the United States Champion Jockey by earnings and in both years was given the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey.
He was inducted into the Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2012, rode his 5,000th winner in 2013, and became the leading money-earning jockey in the history of the sport in 2014. He has won fifteen Breeders’ Cup races, as well as six Triple Crown races, including four Kentucky Derby races.
Early life
John Velazquez was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, on November 24, 1971. While in Puerto Rico, he learned how to ride a horse. He spent a year and a half at jockey school. On the 3rd of January, 1990, John won his first race. Following that, he moved to New York State and studied under Angel Cordero Jr.
John has given Cordero full credit for teaching him not only how to ride but also how to survive.
Career
John Velazques won his first riding title. In 1998 At Aqueduct, he won the first of five titles, which were held at Saratoga, a thoroughbred horse racing track. He set a Saratoga record by winning six races in one day on September 3, 2001.
In 2004, John became the most successful jockey in North America. He won the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey in the same year. He smashed Jerry Bailey’s national earnings record just after a year in 2005.
On May 7, 2011, John won the Kentucky Derby for the first time, riding Animal Kingdom, a champion thoroughbred racehorse. He won the 136th Preakness Stakes with Animal Kingdom. In the 2012 Belmont Stakes, he won his third Triple Crown race. With the thoroughbred racehorse Wise Dan, John won the Breeders’ Cup Mile in 2012 and 2013.
In 2013, John set a number of records, including winning the 5000th race at Belmont Park. On July 27, he became Saratoga’s all-time winningest rider. On October 13, he was also named the all-time leading money winner among all North American jockeys.
In 2015, Velazquez surpassed $300 million in total earnings to become the all-time leading money winner. With Always Dreaming, John ran in the 2017 Kentucky Derby, which he won. He competed in the 2017 Breeders’ Cup once more, eventually winning the trophy.
On September 5, 2020, John won his third Kentucky Derby while riding Authentic, a champion thoroughbred racehorse. He also won the 147th Kentucky Derby with Medina Spirit on May 1, 2021.
Personal Life
John Velazquez is married to Leona O’Brien, trainer Leo O’Brien’s daughter. They have two children, a daughter named Lerina and a son named Michael Patrick, and they live in New York.
Velazquez is the chairman of the Jockeys’ Guild board of directors and a member of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund board of directors. He’s recognized for his steel nerves and cool riding demeanour.
Social Media Profile
John Velazquez does not have a verified social media account, but he has a number of fan pages dedicated to posting about his many triumphs in Jockey.
John Velazquez Net Worth, Salary and Earnings 2025
As of January 2025, John Velazquez has an estimated net worth of $300 million. Velazquez earns his net worth from his career as a Jockey. He also earns money from brand promotions, sponsorships and endorsements. Velazquez is one of Puerto Rico’s wealthiest horse riders.
Summary
John R. Velazquez is a Puerto Rican jockey in Thoroughbred horse racing with an estimated net worth of $300 million. Velazquez started his career in Puerto Rico before moving to New York in 1990. In 2004 and 2005 he was the United States Champion Jockey by earnings and in both years was given the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey.
