NEWS
Gomez wins outstanding jockey award
Posted: Monday, January 26, 2009 9:58 PM
GARRETT GOMEZ
Benoit & Associates photo
by Jeff Apel
Jockey Garrett Gomez got the chance to show off his new teeth when he received his second consecutive Eclipse Award as North America’s outstanding rider.
Gomez concluded his 2008 season with $23,344,351 in purse earnings, a figure that left the 37-year-old rider just short of breaking Jerry Bailey’s North American record for purse earnings in a season. He was forced to take off his mounts at Santa Anita Park on December 28 after being involved in a racing accident the previous day that knocked out three upper front teeth.
Gomez returned to race riding three days later after making a trip to the dentist to have the teeth fixed. He wound up $10,609 shy of Bailey’s 2003 record but takes satisfaction in wrapping up a memorable year.
“It’s quite an accomplishment, especially the way it all transpired,” Gomez said. “It definitely was very special.”
Gomez said finishing so close to Bailey’s record will serve as motivation throughout 2009, when he hopes to lead all North American riders in purse earnings for the fourth consecutive year.
With a big assist from agent Ron Anderson, Gomez concluded 2008 with 68 stakes victories, 42 of which were earned in graded races. He won four races at the '08 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, and posted eight of his stakes wins last year in races worth $1-million or more.
Jeff Apel is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY assistant editor
