Johnny and Leona Velazquez were publicly recognized for their longstanding commitment to the backstretch community at Saratoga Race Course, Belmont Park and Aqueduct Racetrack Aug. 13 when they received the Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson Award from the New York Race Track Chaplaincy at the organization's 18th annual fund-raising brunch at the Saratoga National Golf Club in Saratoga Springs, NY.
On hand to assist with the award presentation was Marylou's Whitney's daughter, Heather Mabee.
"Anyone who has spent much time around the racetrack knows that the people who care for the horses are really the unsung heroes of our sport," Velazquez said. "Leona and I are proud to support the various backstretch programs organized by the New York Race Track Chaplaincy and we are extremely honored and grateful to be recognized in this way."
As is the custom, Johnny and Leona Velazquez were presented with a framed racing scene created by equine artist Tom Chapman from the New York Race Track Chaplaincy.
Johnny, a member of the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame since 2012, has won over 6700 races, two Eclipse Awards, six Triple Crown races and 21 Breeders' Cup races. He serves as co-chairman of The Jockeys Guild and as a board member for the New York Race Track Chaplaincy. Leona has served on the Belmont Child Care Association board and she and her family have been active in various backstretch organizations for decades.
The brunch attracted a capacity crowd of supporters from all segments of the racing industry and set a new record for fundraising.
Previous honorees have included Len Green, Tracy and Todd Pletcher, Andy Serling, Irad Ortiz Jr., Anne Campbell, Edgar Prado, Michael Dubb, Fay and David Donk, Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson, Letty and Kiaran McLaughlin, Lisa and Kenny Troutt, Debbie and Terry Finley and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association.
