TL/DR –
A group of American jockeys, including Javier Castellano, Joel Rosario, John Velazquez, Katie Davis, Mike Smith, and Ricardo Santana Jr., traveled to Caracas, Venezuela, to participate in an all-star event at the Hipodromo La Rinconada Hippodrome. This was despite warnings from the U.S. Department of State advising against travel to Venezuela due to various risks including crime, civil unrest, and poor health infrastructure. The racing industry in Venezuela is currently being rejuvenated by Antonio Alvarez, the country’s former Minister of Sports, and this event was part of his efforts to restore the country’s image in the global horse racing community.
US Jockeys Ignore Travel Warnings to Race in Venezuela
Despite warnings from the US Department of State against travel to Venezuela due to high risks, a group of jockeys from Florida and California, including Javier Castellano, travelled to Caracas to participate in an all-star event at Hipodromo La Rinconada Hippodrome. The event was organised by Antonio Alvarez, tasked with the revival of the Thoroughbred racing industry in Venezuela. Alvarez, a former baseball star and ex-Minister of Sports, coordinated with US riders like Joel Rosario, John Velazquez, Katie Davis, Mike Smith, and Ricardo Santana Jr.
Due to increased US military presence in the Caribbean Sea, travel from regional airports to Caracas has become inconsistent and potential risky. However, the jockeys navigated these challenges, flying to Columbia first before heading to Venezuela on a private plane.
The Keeneland designer Arthur Froehlich also designed La Rinconada Hippodrome, which made its debut in 1959. The Sunday program attracted around 25,000 local racing fans.
Despite potential political tensions, Smith noted that they were warmly welcomed. Despite sanctions and international pressure, Venezuelans remain passionate about horse racing. Castellano, a four-time Eclipse Awards winner and US citizen, echoed the sentiment, stating the love for his home country and its passionate racing culture.
Thoroughbred racing provided a temporary oasis amidst the political strife. Katie Davis, among the top female earners in horse racing in 2025, summarized the sentiment best, relating the risks of the sport to life itself. “At the end of the day, it’s your life on the line, just like horse racing, when our lives are on the line,” she said. “And I come in peace.”
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