Bailey, Cordero and Velazquez honored at Saratoga

Hall of Famers John Velazquez, Jerry Bailey and Angel

Cordero Jr. -- the three winningest jockeys in the 150-year history of Saratoga

Race Course -- were honored Friday in a special ceremony at the track to unveil a

bronze plaque to commemorate their achievements.

With hundreds of fans in attendance in the event,

Velazquez, Bailey and Cordero were also each presented with a Saratoga red

blazer to celebrate their outstanding achievements at the historic track, where

they have combined to win more than 2,000 races.

"Today, on behalf of all our great fans, the men and women

of the New York Racing Association are very proud to acknowledge and honor the

achievements, skill and professionalism of the three men who used those skills

to become probably the three most successful jockeys in the very storied history

of Saratoga," said Chris Kay, CEO and president of the New York Racing

Association (NYRA).

Cordero, who won his first riding title at Saratoga in

1967, rode 649 winners until his retirement in 1992. In all, the "King of

Saratoga" -- for whom the coveted Saratoga riding title is named -- was the top

rider 14 times, including 11 straight years from 1976-86.

"You are the best fans I ever faced in my life," Cordero

told the crowd, which included trainers Todd Pletcher and Hall of Famers D.

Wayne Lukas and Bill Mott. "I was hated by everybody except at Saratoga. That's

why I liked Saratoga -- they never booed me at Saratoga. I really enjoyed what I

did, and I am so proud of Jerry and John to accomplish this."

Taking over from Cordero at Saratoga was Bailey, who won

seven riding titles from 1994-2001 and brought home 693 winners at the Spa.

"I first came to New York in 1982, and it took me years and

years and years to try and beat this one (pointing to Cordero) right here," Bailey

said. "Finally, when he reached the twilight of his career, I was able to

climb to the top of the mountain. Then, toward the end of my career, I had to

hold off this one (pointing to Velazquez), who was taught by this one (Cordero).

So, you can imagine how difficult it was.

"I've said many times that Angel was the best rider I've ever ridden with day

in and day out on a consistent basis, and I still hold to that. But it's very

close, because Johnny, in my estimation, is the greatest rider in the game

today, and it was all I could do to beat him day in and day out. Good job,

guys."

This past decade, it was Velazquez who dominated Saratoga,

passing Cordero to move into second-place two years ago and becoming its

all-time leading rider on July 27 when he brought home his 694th winner.

"I would like to thank all the trainers who put me on the

map -- Todd Pletcher and Wayne Lukas and everyone else who gave me

opportunities," Velazquez acknowledged. "I also would like to thank my wife and

kids, who have supported me the whole time. I am honored to be named with these

two guys here. I think they are the two best riders I have seen in my career.

And there will be plenty more behind me that, one day, will be up here

themselves."

Following the ceremony, the commemorative plaque was placed

on display outside the jockey room at Saratoga.

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