Jockey jockey Julio Felix.
Caravelle Hotel & Casino has publicly announced its support for local jockey Julio Felix as he nears the milestone of 3,500 career wins. Julio Felix, with a career total of 3,497 victories to date according to Equibase, the racing industry's official database, is closing in on this significant achievement.
Born in New York City but raised on St. Croix, the 56-year-old jockey scored his 3,000th win in May 2018 at Arlington Park in Chicago, Illinois. Felix began his illustrious career on the mainland in 1989 in South Florida and was notably a leading jockey on the Ohio circuit before shifting his focus to Chicago, where he now races at Hawthorne Race Course.
Jason Williams, general manager of racing operations for Caravelle Hotel & Casino, commended Felix for his commendable reputation on the mainland and in the Virgin Islands. Williams highlighted Felix's conduct of honor and integrity, noting that he is well-regarded by his peers and is a Senate member of the Jockeys’ Guild. “We will be following his pursuit of 3,500 wins closely and look forward to congratulating him when he reaches that milestone,” Williams stated.
Julio Felix, who comes from a large family of 10 siblings, was once an aspiring baseball player. He honed his athletic skills as a starting pitcher for the Virgin Islands team against Puerto Rico. Despite his smaller stature, Felix's athleticism ultimately led him into another sport, horse racing, where he has excelled.
Felix’s journey in horse racing began with a victory at the Governor’s Cup in the U.S. Virgin Islands and continued onto his first mainland win at Calder Race Course in 1989. Since then, he has consistently been at the forefront of the racing scene, earning the title of leading jockey nine times at Thistledown near Cleveland, Ohio. Felix is currently riding at Turfway Park in Florence, Kentucky, where he pursues win number 3,500.
Caravelle Hotel & Casino operates not only the Caravelle Hotel & Casino but also the historic Company House Hotel in downtown Christiansted, St. Croix. The company said it is at the forefront of several exciting developments, including the redeveloping of the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack. The revamped site on the west side of St. Croix is set to be rebranded as Caravelle West at Randall “Doc” James Racetrack, according to a statement from the company.
