Each month we’ll take a trip to the backstretch and visit with a different jockey or trainer. For this all-Saratoga issue, the focus is on two-time Eclipse winning jockey John Velazquez. This Puerto Rican-born pilot owns the record for wins at a Saratoga meet with 65 in 2005. Velazquez, 37, boasts four New York riding titles from 2001-2004. He captured his first Breeders’ Cup win in 1998 with Da Hoss, and has won six more since.

Velazquez makes his residence in West Hempstead, N.Y. with his wife Leona, their daughter, Lerina, 10, and their son, Michael Patrick, 5.

Q: How did you first get involved with horses?

In Puerto Rico, I grew up around friends who had pleasure horses and got used to being around them. Then at the age of 16 I met an agent who helped enroll me in the Puerto Rican jockey school.

Q: Who were your heroes growing up?

The best jockey in Puerto Rico during my youth was Julio Garcia, and I was a big fan of his. But my biggest hero growing up was probably Angel Cordero Jr. Just hearing about his feats helped spark my interest in racing, and I was lucky enough to meet him in 1990.

Q: When did you come to the United States?

I came to the United States in March of 1990. My agent helped me with the decision. He handled booking my mounts and also introduced me to Angel. For me, coming to this country was an easy decision.

Q: Do you remember your first win?

My first win came in Puerto Rico when I was 18, on a horse named Rodas. It was a pretty easy win, and was very thrilling for me.

Q: What did it feel like getting your first Breeders’ Cup victory with Da Hoss in 1998?

It was absolutely amazing. The circumstances surrounding that race heightened the drama and excitement. I was actually fourth in line to get the mount on Da Hoss, and fortunately, the three jockeys in front of me ended up with other commitments. The race was filled with the best horses in the world, which made the victory even sweeter.

Q: You won a thrilling Belmont Stakes with Rags to Riches in 2007. How exciting was that ride?

The Belmont victory was one of the biggest thrills I have had in racing. It was not only my first win in that race, but it was also my first Triple Crown victory. The combination of winning it with a filly and also beating Curlin, one of the best horses in racing, made it even more special. When we stumbled at the start of the race, to be quite honest, I thought it was over. ‘No way she recovers,’ I’m thinking. However, when we got to the first turn she settled pretty well and I started believing we might have a shot. I kept my eyes on Curlin and made sure to get the jump on him entering the stretch, and I think that really made the difference.

Q: You’ve already won seven Breeders’ Cup races and the Belmont Stakes. What are your next major goals?

Obviously I would love to win the Derby or the Preakness. Those are my major goals. The Breeders’ Cup Classic and the Arlington Million would also be very exciting victories.

Q: You demolished the record for wins during the Saratoga meet with 61 in 2003, and then broke your own record the next year with 65. How important are those prestigious records to you?

To tell you the truth, when I did broke those records, I didn’t even realize how big of an accomplishment it was. But now looking back, it has started to sink in how special those achievements were.

Q: What is your favorite part of the Saratoga meet?

The entire experience is enjoyable. The races are fantastic, the town is terrific, and the fans are phenomenal. When it comes down to it, the fans are the ones that keep this sport going, and they come out in full force for the Saratoga meet. It is great to interact with them both at the track and during the wonderful Saratoga nightlife.

Q: How do you typically prepare to ride horses each day?

Physically, I will warm up a bit in the morning to prepare for the day. Mentally, I study the past performances and try to visualize what might happen in the race. That being said, you need to be prepared for every conceivable scenario.

Q: Is it difficult for you to stay under the required weight?

Yes and no. Yes, because it can be difficult to stick to the routine that I have developed and maintained for many years. No, because I eat very well after the races and take great care of myself.

Q: Do you have any specific friendly rivalries with other jockeys?

There aren’t any rivalries that stick out to me at the moment. When Jerry Bailey was racing, we had a really good rivalry that served as great motivation for both of us. We used to trade quotes from the Rocky movies as a way to jokingly taunt each other. It was a great experience riding against Jerry, and I miss having him around the jocks room.

Q: You won an astounding six races at Saratoga on September 3, 2001. Do jockeys get in the zone, or is a day like that more a product of the horses?

It’s a combination of many things coming together. All the pieces of the puzzle need to align perfectly. The horses have to be talented, you have to get great trips, and your decision-making as a jockey needs to be impeccable. In a sport like basketball or golf, there aren’t as many intangibles and factors, so when a guy like Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods is in the zone, there is no stopping them. But in racing, no matter how good a jockey’s decisions are, you still need a talented horse to win the race. You depend a lot on the horse, a little bit on luck, and a little bit on your decisions. But yes, I would say that a jockey can be “in the zone” with regard to his decision-making.

Q: What is your favorite part of being a jockey?

Winning. That is fantastic.

Q: If you could be a professional athlete in any other sport, which one would it be?

I used to play baseball and box a little bit when I was younger, but I think baseball would be my preference. I’d be a second baseman.

Q: What is the best advice you could give to a young person who wants to become a jockey?

You have to be extremely patient in this business, as it is a real emotional roller coaster. It is also important to take lessons from every individual you meet and every horse you ride.

Q: What are the most important traits for a successful jockey to have?

You need the entire package. Learn the horses, learn the competition, learn how the trainers like the horses to be ridden, and perhaps most importantly, be patient, both on and off the track.