The Belmont Stakes, the grueling final leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, is a proving ground for legends. In 2025, as the iconic race unfolds at Saratoga Race Course, the spotlight shines on two titans of the turf: John Velazquez and Irad Ortiz Jr. Both Puerto Rican jockeys have etched their names into Belmont history, but a cryptic warning from Velazquez to Ortiz reveals the mental toll of chasing victory in this unforgiving 1 1/4-mile test. “When the fire goes out, everything becomes more difficult,” Velazquez said, reflecting on the psychological stamina required to conquer the Belmont Stakes. What lies behind this enigmatic advice, and how does it connect to their historic triumphs?

John Velazquez, a Hall of Famer with 27 Belmont Stakes rides, is no stranger to the race’s demands. His victories in 2007 aboard Rags to Riches and 2012 with Union Rags cemented his legacy. At 54, Velazquez’s experience gives him a unique perspective on the mental fortitude needed to navigate the race’s challenges. In 2025, he rides Crudo, a colt trained by Todd Pletcher, aiming for a third Belmont win. His warning to Ortiz, delivered during a quiet moment at Saratoga, hints at the delicate balance between passion and burnout. “You have to keep that fire burning, because once it dims, the race feels twice as hard,” Velazquez shared, his words carrying the weight of decades on the track.

Irad Ortiz Jr., at 33, is a force of nature in horse racing. With five Eclipse Awards and two Belmont Stakes wins—2016 on Creator and 2022 on Mo Donegal—he’s a favorite to dominate again in 2025 aboard Hill Road. Yet, Velazquez’s caution seems to target Ortiz’s relentless drive. “Irad’s got all the talent in the world, but the Belmont tests your mind as much as your skill,” Velazquez noted. Ortiz, known for his aggressive riding style, has faced scrutiny for pushing boundaries, including suspensions for rough riding. Despite this, his 4,274 career wins and $358 million in earnings speak to his brilliance. “You have to stay sharp, stay hungry,” Ortiz responded, acknowledging the mental strain of high-stakes races.

The Belmont Stakes is unlike any other race. Its unique distance and Saratoga’s demanding dirt track amplify the pressure on jockeys. For Velazquez, the 2007 win with Rags to Riches was a masterclass in patience, as he guided the filly to become the first of her kind to win in 102 years. “That race took everything—focus, timing, belief,” he recalled. Ortiz’s 2016 triumph on Creator was similarly dramatic, requiring a perfect trip to edge out Destin. “You’re fighting the track, the horse, and yourself,” Ortiz said, echoing Velazquez’s emphasis on mental resilience.

The “fire” Velazquez speaks of is the inner drive that keeps jockeys pushing through exhaustion, doubt, and the chaos of a crowded field. Ortiz’s recent accolades, including the 2025 Mike Venezia Memorial Award for sportsmanship, show his ability to channel that fire. Yet, Velazquez’s warning suggests a deeper truth: even the greatest can falter if their passion wanes. “I’ve seen guys lose that spark, and the Belmont eats them alive,” Velazquez said, his tone both cautionary and empathetic.

Their shared Puerto Rican heritage adds another layer to this narrative. Both jockeys have carried the pride of their homeland to the global stage, with Velazquez paving the way and Ortiz following as a prodigy. Their rivalry is less about animosity and more about mutual respect, forged in the crucible of races like the Belmont. Ortiz, reflecting on Velazquez’s mentorship, said, “Johnny’s been there. He knows what it takes. I listen when he talks.”

As the 2025 Belmont Stakes approaches, fans are left wondering: will Ortiz heed Velazquez’s advice and keep his fire burning? Or will the mental shock of the race, as Velazquez warns, prove too much? With a $2 million purse and a field of eight elite horses, the stage is set for another chapter in their storied careers. Velazquez’s victories taught him the cost of greatness, and his words to Ortiz are a reminder that in horse racing, the mind can be the ultimate battleground. For now, the racing world watches, eager to see if Ortiz can add another historic win to his tally—or if the fire will flicker under the Belmont’s relentless pressure.