Castellano began his riding career in 1996 at Santa Rita and La Rinconadaracecourses in Venezuela. In June 1997 he moved to the United States where he rode at race tracks in southern Florida until 2001, when he moved north to race on the New York State racing circuit.
Castellano received the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016, each year having the highest purse winnings of any jockey in North America.[1] In 2013, he finished the year with purse earnings of over $26.2 million, surpassing the single-season record previously held by Ramon Dominguez in 2012.[4] He passed 4,000 North American wins in February 2015,[5] and by the end of the year had broken his own single-season winnings and earnings record.[6]
Racing runs in Castellano's family. His father, who died in 2000, his uncle, and a brother all have been jockeys. He considers his father to be the biggest influence on his career.[8]
He and his wife, Abby have three children. His father-in-law is Terry Meyocks, national director of the Jockeys' Guild. His younger brother Abel Castellano, Jr. (born 1983) is also a jockey and rode his first winner on September 22, 1999, at Santa Rita Race Course in Venezuela.[9] In 2000 he began riding in the United States at Gulfstream Park.[10]
^ abGrening, David (10 June 2023). "Belmont: Arcangelo's upset makes Antonucci first female trainer to win a Triple Crown race". Daily Racing Form. Retrieved 10 June 2023. Arcangelo was ridden to victory Saturday by Javier Castellano. It was his first career win in the Belmont with his 15th mount. Five weeks ago, Castellano won his first Kentucky Derby in his 16th attempt, aboard Mage, who did not run in the Belmont after finishing third in the Preakness.
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