John Velazquez earns 800th graded win as Local Knowledge captures Amsterdam Stakes at Saratoga

On July 31, 2026, at Saratoga Race Course in New York, Hall of Famer jockey John Velazquez achieved his 800th graded‑stakes victory aboard the colt Local Knowledge. The horse, owned by Spendthrift Farm and trained by Todd Pletcher, won the Grade 2 Amsterdam Stakes for three‑year‑olds over a distance of 6½ furlongs, finishing in 1:14.89 on a fast main track. Local Knowledge prevailed by a short head over Solitude Dude, with American Man setting the early pace and Obliteration finishing third. The win earned a $250,000 purse, marking Local Knowledge's first stakes victory and Velazquez's first win with the Pletcher stable in nine years.