Cristian Velázquez celebrated his first 600 victories with a hat trick

Dream afternoon for the jockey at the Hipódromo de San Isidro, reaching one more milestone in his short career

Smilytop gave Cristian Velázquez his 600th victory / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

As is often the case on Wednesdays, the allowance races at the Hipódromo de San Isidro flew quite low in terms of quality (reclaiming anything more already seems to be a lost battle...). However, jockey Cristian Velázquez added some color to the day, rounding out a polished hat trick that allowed him to reach his first 600 victories.

The professional began the day with 598 wins, but quickly moved within reach of the sought-after number. It happened in the fifth race, where he guided Braji (Long Island Sound) to victory, who finished in front for the second time at the age of 5.

An hour and a half later, Velázquez achieved the long-awaited 600th success, with the particular detail of doing so while teaming up with Hugo Pérez, the Uruguayan trainer for whom he has been the first-choice rider for many years. Together, they fully enjoyed the narrow conquest of Smilytop (Top One Scape), a homebred from Haras Nimanor who edged out Santos Lugares (Springdom) by a head over the 1300 meters of the Premio Operístico, for 3-year-olds with one win.

Taking advantage of the momentum, in the very next race, the rider set course toward 700 successes by reaching 601 with Luna Gitana (Le Blues) in the Premio Endeavour, for 3-year-old fillies with one victory, contested over 1400 meters.

Born in Mar del Plata, Cristian began competing in the 2016 season, active in the circuit composed of Azul, Tandil, and Dolores, securing his first winner's circle photo on June 26 of that season in Azul with Agendalo (First Halo).

In 2017, he began to appear at the main tracks and did not take long to stand out, establishing himself at the most important racecourses by 2018. Since then, he has competed 5,373 times, achieving an 11.2 percent efficiency rate and lifting the trophy in 38 stakes races, 22 of them graded and 7 at the highest level.

It was just a few months ago, in November 2025, when he achieved his greatest joy, guiding Gordianus (Señor Candy) to victory in the Gran Premio Nacional (G1). Additionally, he won the Gran Premio Copa de Oro (G1) with Emiterio(Treasure Beach); the Gran Premio Polla de Potrillos (G1) with Top One City (Cityscape); the Gran Premio de Honor (G1) with Dreaman (Galicado); the Gran Premio Estrellas Juvenile Fillies (G1) with Nueva Fragancia(Hurricane Cat); and the Gran Premio Joaquín S. de Anchorena (G1) with Top One Scape (Cityscape).