Horse Racing Icon Javier Castellano Opens Up on ‘Disappointing’ Emotions Following Archangelo’s Unforeseen Exit

The Venezuelan jockey, Javier Castellano, worthy of his 4 Eclipse Award titles had a spectacular season for the year. The 46-year-old secured two of the Triple Crown Series titles to his name among 144 wins. Moving into October, Castellano hoped for a continued momentum at the Breeders’ Cup. However, natural to the sports realm, uncertainties followed the horse racing champion and community alike with the event’s arrival.

Javier Castellano has boarded over a thousand horses in his career encompassing 31,873 starts. But for the glorious year of 2023, one equine among many stood to catch the jockey’s eye: Arcangelo. After a year of ups and downs together, Castellano reminisces about the equine’s exit and decision as a whole.

Javier Castellano fetches positive notes

Recently, among the NYRA’s ‘best of 2023’ features, Castellano was picked for an interview over the celebratory season. Discussing his illustrious career, challenges, retirement, and more, a segment touched upon Arcangelo being scratched from the Breeders’ Cup. Having previously won the Breeders’ Cup Classic the jockey was asked how disappointed he felt about missing another shot at the race. “Not being able to compete in the Breeders’ Cup Classic with Arcangelo when I felt I had the best horse and that I would have won the race was really disappointing,” Castellano began.

For 2023, the two led each other to victory 4-times and twice at G1 stakes; including Belmont. Considering the journey, the $6 Million Breeders’ Cup Classic did not seem too far. However, though the decision carried a bittersweet air about it, the jockey turned to find a positive outlook. “He is such a great horse, but I’m grateful that the horse was able to walk away in good order so that he’ll be able to have another career. That is more important than anything else,” Castellano reminisced.

Finding a brighter factor in unforeseen situations doesn’t arrive easy. But Castellano has reiterated, the solace in Arcangelo’s wellness presents hopes for a further path.

The path beyond horse racing grounds

As the Breeders’ Cup approached later in October, trainer, Jena Antonucci revealed that she had cancelled two day’s training for Arcangelo. The reason stated read, ‘developed a little warmth in his left hind foot’. Though there were some improvements later, Antonucci decided to prioritize the equine’s well-being. The remark ensured an easier send-off for the cherished equine towards his retirement career.

Also Read: “Continue to Be True”: Horse Racing Trainer Reflects on an Exceptional 2023 Season With Heartfelt Insights

Earlier past month, his retirement home, Lane’s End provided an update on the horse stating he had ‘settled in nicely’. The 3-year-old will further look to extend his contributions to the horse racing realm with his role as a stud. Like Castellano remarked, ” hope he has a big [stallion] career in front of him because he is such a great horse and deserves that.”

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