The Avelino Gomez Memorial Award: Honouring Horse Racing Greatness
In the elite realm of thoroughbred racing, few names resonate with the legacy and grandeur that Avelino Gomez brings to the Canadian horse racing scene.
Avelino Gomez’s unparalleled skills as a jockey, known as “El Perfecto,” at the esteemed Woodbine Racetrack and other thoroughbred racetracks have cemented his status as a horse racing legend.
His posthumous induction into the Canadian Racing Hall of Fame acknowledges his significant contributions and the indelible mark left on the sport.
The Avelino Gomez Memorial Award not only celebrates the excellence of this iconic Canadian jockey but also honors the spirit and dedication of jockeys who embody the same passion and commitment to thoroughbred racing.
The honor is named for the late Cuban-born Canadian and American Hall of Fame jockey Avelino Gomez, who died in 1980 of complications from injuries sustained in a racing accident during the running of The Canadian Oaks in 1980.
Avelino Gomez Memorial Award honourees receive a replica of the life-size statue of Gomez sculpted by Siggy Puchta that stands at Woodbine Racetrack. The Award is presented in a yearly ceremony on Oaks Day at Woodbine.
This article explores the rich legacy of Avelino Gomez, delving into his illustrious career and the significant impact he had as a pioneering jockey.
Additionally, it will highlight the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award—a prestigious accolade presented annually at Woodbine Racetrack to a Canadian thoroughbred horse racing jockey who demonstrates exceptional talent and significant contributions to the racing community.
By highlighting notable award recipients, we will illustrate the continued influence of Avelino Gomez’s legacy in inspiring generations of jockeys. The narrative will conclude by reflecting on the lasting significance of the award and its role in perpetuating the values and excellence that Avelino Gomez represented in Canadian thoroughbred racing.
The Legacy of Avelino Gomez
Early Life and Career
Born in Cuba in 1928, Avelino Gomez initiated his illustrious career in horse racing at the tender age of 16, marking his first victory in Mexico City in 1944.
His early successes as a leading apprentice in Mexico paved the way to becoming the top rider in Vancouver by 1945.
Over the next decade, Gomez showcased his talents across Mexico, Cuba, Vancouver, and the United States, achieving significant milestones such as winning the $100,000 Washington Park Handicap in Chicago in 1951.
Major Achievements and Records
Avelino Gomez’s career is punctuated with remarkable achievements, including topping the Canadian standings in wins seven times between 1955 and 1966. His record-breaking year in 1966 saw him become the first jockey in Canadian history to surpass 300 wins, totaling 318 victories.
This achievement placed him as the leading jockey in North America that year, with a win percentage of 32%, a record that remains unmatched. His prowess also led him to win four times in Canada’s most prestigious race, the Queen’s Plate.
Induction into Halls of Fame
Recognized for his significant contributions to horse racing, Avelino Gomez was inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 1977. His legacy continued to be honored posthumously with inductions into the U.S. National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1982 and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.
His enduring impact on the sport was further commemorated with the Sovereign Award of Merit in 1978, celebrating his lifetime achievements in the racing community.
The Avelino Gomez Memorial Award
Established to honor the enduring legacy of Avelino Gomez, the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award is presented annually at Woodbine Racetrack. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon a jockey who demonstrates exceptional skill and dedication in Canadian horse racing and embodies the spirit and professionalism that Gomez has exemplified throughout his career.
Criteria for Selection
The Avelino Gomez Memorial Award is an honor given annually to a jockey who is Canadian-born, Canadian-raised, or a regular in the country for more than five years and who has made significant contributions to the sport.
The selection process for the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award is stringent, focusing on the jockey’s achievements within the current racing season, their overall contribution to the sport, and their embodiment of professionalism and sportsmanship.
Candidates are evaluated by a panel of experts from the racing community, ensuring that the recipient truly reflects the excellence associated with Gomez’s name.
Award Presentation Ceremony
The award ceremony is a highlight of the racing calendar at Woodbine Racetrack, held annually to coincide with a major racing event.
It gathers prominent figures from the horse racing industry, including past recipients, to celebrate the current year’s honoree.
The ceremony recognizes the recipient’s achievements and is a tribute to Gomez’s impactful career and contribution to horse racing.
Significance of the Award
The Avelino Gomez Memorial Award holds significant prestige in the horse racing community. It celebrates current achievements and inspires upcoming jockeys to aspire to the high standards of professionalism and excellence that Avelino Gomez represented.
The award keeps Gomez’s memory alive, ensuring his legacy continues influencing and shaping the sport in Canada.
Notable Award Recipients
Memorable Honourees
The Avelino Gomez Memorial Award has been bestowed upon many distinguished jockeys who have demonstrated excellence and dedication in Canadian horse racing.
Through their remarkable careers, these recipients have upheld the legacy of Avelino Gomez, showcasing exceptional skill and sportsmanship.
Impact on Their Careers
Winning the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award has significantly impacted the careers of these jockeys, elevating their status within the horse racing community.
It has often served as a catalyst for further achievements and recognition, affirming their prowess and commitment to the sport.
Highlighted Contributions
The contributions of these award recipients extend beyond their victories on the track.
They embody the spirit of professionalism and excellence that Avelino Gomez himself represented, influencing new generations of jockeys and enriching the Canadian horse racing industry.
Their dedication and achievements continue to inspire and set high standards for professionalism in the sport.
Award Winners
2024: Gunnar Lindberg
2023: Russell Baze
2022: Slade Callaghan
2021 : Eurico Rosa da Silva
2020: no award given
2019: Frank Barroby
2018: Emma-Jayne Wilson
2017 : Gary Boulanger
2016 : Gary Stahlbaum
2015: Quincy Welch
2014: Patrick Husbands
2013: Mickey Walls
2012: Steven Bahen
2011: Emile Ramsammy
2010: Stewart Elliott
2007: George HoSang
2006: John LeBlanc
2005: Sam Krasner
2004: Francine Villeneuve
2003: Robert Landry
2002: Richard Dos Ramos
2001: Chris Loseth
2000: James McKnight
1999: David Clark
1998: Irwin Driedger
1997: Richard Grubb
2009: Robert King
2008: Jack Lauzon
1996: David A. Gall
1995: Don Seymour
1994: no award given
1993: Larry Attard
1992: Robin Platts
1991: Hugo Dittfach
1990: Lloyd Duffy
1989: Jeffrey Fell
1988: Chris Rogers
1987: Don MacBeth
1986: Sandy Hawley
1985: Johnny Longden
1984: Ron Turcotte
Conclusion
Throughout this article, we’ve journeyed through the exemplary life and career of Avelino Gomez, a name synonymous with triumph and heroism within the Canadian horse racing community.
His contribution has not only been immortalized through his induction into various halls of fame but also through the continuing legacy of the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award, an annual accolade that epitomizes the pinnacle of jockeying excellence and professionalism.
The award’s prestigious nature and its criteria for selection reflect the high standards that Gomez set during his lifetime, encouraging current and future generations of jockeys to aspire to these ideals.
These recognitions underscore the lasting influence of Gomez’s dedication, talent, and spirit, fostering a rich tradition of sports excellence.
As this narrative concludes, it’s clear that the resonance of Avelino Gomez’s legacy is felt not just in the annals of racing history but also in today’s jockeys’ ongoing pursuit of excellence.
Celebrating this legacy, we invite readers to explore other distinguished jockeys’ lives and successes.
By visiting the Canadian Jockey Profiles on Jockeys Canada, enthusiasts can dive deeper into detailed biographies and career accomplishments of other notable riders.
Moreover, the Jockey’s Benefit Association of Canada provides a pivotal platform for those wishing to support these dedicated athletes’ welfare and continued legacy, ensuring that the spirit of what Avelino Gomez represented continues to inspire and shape the future of Canadian horse racing.
Photo of Statue compliments of Mike F. Campbell
