Javier Castellano was the jockey for Preakness Stakes 2023 favorite Mage. The second derby of the Triple Crown took place on Saturday at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.

Castellano and Mage won the Kentucky Derby earlier this month and a victory in Baltimore will boost the duo’s chances of winning the Holy Grail – a Triple Crown.

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Mage, however, did not win. Castellano’s horse finished third. Bob Baffert-trained National Treasure came first.

Mage’s ownership: Gustavo Jr. owns a 25 percent stake, bloodstock agent Ramiro Restrepo 25 percent and Sam Sterling 25 percent. Commonwealth, a sports investment app, has micro-shares.

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Who is Javier Castellano?

Javier Castellano is a Venezuelan jockey. He was born in Maracaibo, Zulia State and is 45 years old.

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Castellano started riding professionally in 1996 at Santa Rita and La Rinconada racecourses in Venezuela. He moved to the US in 1997 and rode in Florida.

In 2001, he moved to New York State and had his first big win three years later – on Frank Stronach’s horse Ghostzapper. The 45-year-old had a win at the Breeders’ Cup Classic and was awarded with the Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year.

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He won the Eclipse Award in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2017.

Javier Castellano is married to Abby and has three children.