Javier Castellano won his first riding
title since 2007 on The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) circuit
when he edged Ramon Dominguez by two victories at the conclusion of
Belmont Park's fall meet.
Castellano rode three winners
on Friday, October 28, to go up 42-40 over Dominguez and assure himself
the title. Although Castellano rode at Keeneland on Saturday, live
racing was cancelled at Belmont after three races that afternoon, and on
Sunday, as a result of inclement weather. John Velazquez took third
place with 27 winners. Fall meet highlights for Castellano included wins
in the Grade 1 Garden City (Winter Memories) Grade 1 Champagne (Union
Rags) and Grade 2 Gallant Bloom (Pomeroys Pistol).
Trainer
David Jacobson, who saddled the first Grade 1 winner of his career
during the 2011 Saratoga meet, enjoyed further success at Belmont,
topping the trainer standings with 15 victories for his first NYRA meet
title. Rudy Rodriguez was second with 13 winners, and Bruce Brown took
third with 12.
The leading owner was Flying Zee Stables,
whose principle, Carl Lizza, passed away July 8. Flying Zee Stables
clinched the owner title with 12 victories, including wins in the Grade 3
Miss Grillo (Pure Gossip) and Bertram F. Bongard (Night Maneuver).
With
the conclusion of Belmont Park's fall meet, New York racing moves to
Aqueduct Racetrack beginning Friday, November 4 and running through
Saturday, December 31, with live racing Wednesday through Sunday. On
most days, gates open at 11 a.m. with a first post time of 12:20 p.m.
There will be a special post time of 11:25 a.m. on November 24
(Thanksgiving Day) and noon post times on November 25 (Black Friday) and
November 26 (Cigar Mile Day). Simulcasting is held at Aqueduct and the
Belmont Café seven days a week.