by Phil Janack
Jockey Jose Santos, the regular rider of champion and 2003 dual classic winner Funny Cide who will be inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame next week, announced his retirement on Monday at Saratoga Race Course.
The 46-year-old native of Concepcion, Chile, had been trying to come back from injuries suffered in a three-horse spill at Aqueduct on February 1.
"My back is in real bad shape right now," said Santos, who fractured his spine in five places and broke three ribs among other injuries. "With time off, it's going to get better, but my doctor advised me it's not a good idea to come back. If I have another spill, I'll probably not be able to walk again.
"I got real lucky this time. I'm lucky I'm walking. I don't want to jeopardize myself to be in a wheelchair. I think it's going to be the best for my interests and my kids.
Santos will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs along with jockey John Sellers; trainers Henry Forrest, Frank McCabe, and John Veitch; and horses Mom’s Command, Silver Charm, and Swoon’s Son.
“I am extremely grateful for the career I’ve had, for the owners and trainers that had faith in me, to my fellow jockeys who helped bring out the best in me, and to the fans for their support,” said Santos, who rode more than 4,600 career winners, including 4,083 wins in North America, and was the Eclipse Award winner as outstanding jockey in 1988.
“Most of all, I am grateful to my family. They have always supported me, and it is tough because every time you ride a horse, you are in danger. They don’t have to worry anymore, and that is a relief.”
Santos won 4,083 races from 25,928 starts over 23 seasons in North America, and his mounts earned $188,561,787. His career included victories in the 2003 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1) with Funny Cide; the 1999 Belmont (G1) and Travers (G1) Stakes with Lemon Drop Kid; a victory in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) in '89 aboard Steinlen (GB); the ‘86 Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) with Manila, the '90 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) with Meadow Star; the ‘90 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile with Fly So Free; the '97 Breeders’ Cup Turf with Chief Bearhart; and the '02 Breeders’ Cup Classic aboard 43.50-to-1 shot Volponi.
Jockey John Velazquez was saddened by the announcement.
"We've been friends since I came to this country," Velazquez said. "He's one of the guys that I look up to. I learned a lot from him. It's definitely a great loss for racing."
Phil Janack is a New York-based Thoroughbred Times correspondent