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Further Ado's jockey John Velazquez celebrates with his wife, Leona O'Brien, at the 2021 Kentucky Derby.

Further Ado’s jockey, John Velazquez, is among the best to ever take the saddle. It is no surprise that Further Ado is among the top contenders at the Kentucky Derby.

Velazquez became the first jockey to ever top $500 million in career earnings. The jockey’s current earnings have surpassed $519.7 million, including $6.1 million in 2026, per America’s Best Racing.

According to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Velazquez holds the North American record as the jockey with the highest career earnings.

Ahead of the Kentucky Derby, Velazquez credited his wife, Leona O’Brien, for his success. O’Brien grew up in the horse racing business and is familiar with the grind it takes to succeed.

“I don’t, actually – I never think about it!” Velazquez told The Owner Breeder’s Edward Rosenthal when asked about his massive career earnings. “I don’t pay attention to the numbers or purses. I’m still here, still riding, still enjoying it. I’m just very blessed to have the job I have. I prepare myself well – that’s shown on my record, and the rewards have come.

“My wife understands the life as she was born and raised in racing. Jockeys travel a lot and miss a lot, so not having a partner behind you, supporting what you do, it wouldn’t work. I’m very blessed to have that.”

Here’s what you need to know about Further Ado’s jockey.

Further Ado’s Jockey, John Velazquez, Owner Eric Gustavson & Trainer Brad Cox Team Up With Kentucky Derby Contending Horse

Further Ado has quite the pedigree with Velazquez as jockey, trainer Brad Cox and owner Eric Gustavson of Spendthrift Farm. Velazquez is originally from Puerto Rico and now lives in New York.

The jockey is a 3-time Kentucky Derby winner as well as a 2-time Belmont Stakes victor and has also won the Preakness Stakes. Velazquez has had the experience of riding against Further Ado and prefers being on the saddle of the Kentucky Derby contender.

“Well, I mean, I’ve been watching this horse since he broke his maiden in Keeneland,” Velazquez told Twin Spires during an April 25, interview. “I was right next to him. Well, I was in front of him and he was next to me. And by the time we got to the half of my pole, I couldn’t get away from him.

“It’s like, I was running and all of a sudden he passed me in the quarter pole and he won by a lot. And I was really surprised that the horse (was) winning that easily. So ever since then, I started watching him. So I’ve been watching him for a while now and we got the opportunity to ride now in the Derby.”

John Velazquez & Wife, Leona, Recently Won an Award

Velazquez and his wife were honored with the Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson Award from the New York Race Track Chaplaincy. The couple was celebrated for their “longstanding commitment to the backstretch community at Saratoga Race Course, Belmont Park and Aqueduct Racetrack,” per the New York Racing Association.

“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, per NYRA.com.

“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.”