Javier Castellano Mouttet Mile emotions were still vivid as the Hall of Fame rider stepped back into Gulfstream Park on Sunday (7th December), carrying the aftermath of a weekend that had clearly meant something special. He had returned less than 24 hours after guiding Rideallday to a nine-length victory over Legacy Isle in the Mouttet Mile (G1), Jamaica’s richest race, run in a record 1:36.40 on the dirt.
For Castellano, who had visited the country for the first time, the win came with a deep sense of appreciation. He said the atmosphere, the passion of the fans and the scale of the occasion made the triumph unbelievable, especially after previously being unable to accept invitations to ride in the race in 2023 and 2024 due to commitments in the Cigar Mile and in Venezuela. The added connection of Rideallday being a son of Vekoma, whom Castellano had ridden to major victories, made the moment feel like a new achievement built on a familiar partnership.
At Gulfstream, Emisael Jaramillo, who had ridden Legacy Isle in the Mouttet Mile, also returned and rode two winners on Sunday. He steered Alpyland for Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse in Race 5 and Blue Slide Park for trainer Victor Barboza Jr. in Race 8. Jockey Junior Alvarado marked his return to Gulfstream for the Championship Meet by winning his first mount back, scoring aboard Better With Vino in Race 7. He had ranked fifth in wins and sixth in purse earnings during the 2024–2025 Championship Meet and said that securing an immediate win on his first day back felt mentally important after arriving from cold New York weather that morning.
Attention at Gulfstream then shifted toward Thursday, when the 20-cent Rainbow 6 jackpot pool was expected to reach $200,000 after remaining unsolved for five racing days following a mandatory payout. The sequence was set to span Races 4–9 and included a five-furlong optional claiming allowance for Florida-breds in Race 8.
Gabaldon was poised to seek a return to the winner’s circle after solid runner-up finishes behind Izta Boss and Rezasrolex, while My Voodoo Doll, trained by Mark Casse, was entered after finishing a length behind Gabaldon. The Rainbow 6 jackpot was only paid out when there was a single unique winning ticket; otherwise, 70 percent of the day’s pool went back to bettors with the most winners, and 30 percent was carried over.
Trainer Victor Barboza Jr. continued a productive afternoon by saddling Big Amadeus in Race 2 and Blue Slide Park in Race 8, while Jaramillo’s double added momentum among the returning Gulfstream riders. As Castellano reflected on his trip, his Mouttet Mile success stood out as another meaningful milestone in a career marked by major victories and memorable moments.
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