Castellano Presented with Key to the City

Jockey Javier Castellano was presented with this city’s highest honor Wednesday evening when he was awarded the Key to the City by Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper and the City Commission.

Castellano, who has earned Eclipse Awards the past two years as the country’s outstanding rider and has been leading rider at Gulfstream the past three winters, was lauded by Cooper as “one of the greatest athletes in the world.”

The Key to the City is a symbolic award presented by municipalities to honor outstanding residents and visitors who go above and beyond to help others or to promote the good will of the community.

“I am truly honored to receive this award,” said Castellano, who was given a standing ovation by the commission and those in attendance when presented with the key. “I want to thank the City of Hallandale Beach, Gulfstream Park, the Mayor and the staff."

Cooper said Castellano is  a “world champion who holds a special place in our hearts since he races here and calls Hallandale Beach his home in the winter."

"To have an athlete of this caliber in our city, one who is nationally and globally recognized, is an honor," she added.

Source: Gulfstream Park