Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez is set to ride in Ireland for the first time on Wednesday afternoon at Naas. Velazquez, who has never ridden on Irish soil before, will be guiding Dermot Weld's trainee De Janeiro (Ire) (Invincible Spirit (Ire)) in a six-furlong maiden race for 3-year-olds and up at 1:30 p.m. ET. The filly, owned by Newtown Anner Stud Farm, last raced at Fairyhouse on June 7, finishing third.
Velazquez's presence in Ireland is attributed to his relationship with Maurice Regan of Newtown Anner Stud. PJ Colville, Newtown Anner's racing manager, explained to The Racing Post, "Johnny and Maurice Regan would be very good pals and they both live in New York. He's on holiday here with his family. He has had a few rides at Royal Ascot for us before."
Velazquez, based in New York, recently rode during the Belmont at the Big A meet. He may also pick up some mounts during the Irish Derby festival at The Curragh over the weekend.