Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano made the trip from New York to Parx Race Course on Saturday and captured victory in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) riding The Puma, marking the 3-year-old colt’s first Grade 1 win. For the week of September 14-20, Castellano was named Jockey of the Week by a panel of racing experts.
Castellano has ridden The Puma in five out of the colt’s seven races, including a triumph in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3), where he defeated fellow Pennsylvania Derby contender Further Ado. After narrowly finishing second by a nose to Commandment in the Florida Derby (G1), The Puma was set to compete in the Kentucky Derby (G1) but had to be withdrawn due to a skin infection on race day. The colt later placed fourth in both the Haskell (G1) and the Travers (G1).
Following the Travers, Castellano advised trainer Gustavo Delgado to add blinkers to The Puma’s gear. Delgado implemented the change for the Pennsylvania Derby start. Entering the race as the 5-2 second favorite among 10 contenders, The Puma tracked in eighth position while favorite Further Ado was fourth. Castellano guided The Puma wide around the final turn and took command of the lead heading into the stretch.
Though holding a three-length advantage mid-stretch, The Puma fended off a strong late challenge from Further Ado, ultimately winning by half a length with a time of 1:49.10 over 1⅛ miles. “With blinkers, he was focused,” Castellano said. “When I asked, he responded immediately. At one point I thought I moved too early, but he felt great and delivered a fantastic performance.”
Castellano, who notched his 6,000th career victory on August 26 at Saratoga, will be competing at Belmont Park throughout the week. Highlights include rides in the Vosburgh (G3) aboard Buttah—winner of the John Morrissey at Saratoga with Castellano—and Opulent Restraint in the Flower Bowl (G2) under Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott.
Other Jockey of the Week contenders were Micah Husbands for winning the Cotillion (G1) at Parx, Paco Lopez who scored stakes victories at Presque Isle Downs and Parx, Jose Ortiz for his Gallant Bob (G2) win at Parx, and Edgard Zayas for triumphing in the Presque Isle Downs Masters (G2).
This story was first published by Paulick Report on September 22, 2026, in the News section. Add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Fan Take: This win not only highlights Javier Castellano’s enduring skill but also underlines the potential of The Puma as a rising star in the three-year-old division. For horse racing fans, moments like these revive excitement and anticipation for future marquee events, ensuring the sport’s continued vibrancy and fan engagement.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
