Castellano scores career win 3,000

Jockey Javier Castellano rode the 3,000th winner of his career Friday

at Gulfstream Park, guiding Virtuously to a thrilling late-closing

victory in the

6TH race.

"It feels great. It was time. I stayed patient and rode the same way

I always ride," Castellano said. "I've been very blessed to have all the

support from all the owners and all the trainers and my agent, Matt

Muzikar. People think it's only myself, but it's not. I have a lot of

help."

The 34-year-old native of Maracaibo, Venezuela, who currently leads

the jockey standings at Gulfstream with 71 victories, had ridden four

winners on Thursday's card at Gulfstream to put him in the position of

winning on one of five mounts Friday to reach the career milestone.

"Florida is my home. I ride in New York, but this is where I rode

first when I came to this country," said Castellano, who is scheduled to

ride at Fair Grounds on Saturday. "I love Florida; I love the people;

they've supported me my whole career."

Castellano began his riding career in Venezuela in 1996 before venturing to

the United States the following year. He rode his first winner, Phone Man, at

Calder shortly upon his arrival.

A prominent rider on the New York-Gulfstream circuit for several years,

Castellano counts 2006 Preakness Stakes winner Bernardini, and 2004 Horse of the

Year and Breeders' Cup Classic victor Ghostzapper among the top horses he has

ridden during his career.

Having reached 3000 career wins, Castellano has set a more immediate goal on

his way to No. 4000.

"I hope this Sunday we have a great performance," said Castellano, "and

hopefully find the right horse to the (Kentucky) Derby."