One of the most colourful jockeys to ever compete in Canada, and many would call the most animated, Avelino Gomez was supremely talented but was gone too soon. The native of Cuba developed his interest in horses as a young teenager and rode his first winner in Mexico City at 15.
For the next decade he rode on Canada’s west coast, in Mexico and at various tracks in the US before settling in Ontario where he quickly became a star. He was the first jockey to win Canada’s most prestigious Thoroughbred race, the Queen’s Plate, four times, with Lyford Cay, Victoria Park (a horse he called the best Canadian bred he ever rode), Titled Hero and Jumpin Joseph.
He was the leading rider in Canada seven times and in 1966 was the first Canadian jockey to win 300 races in one year which also topped the standings in North America. His win percentage that year of .32 has yet to be matched.
He was honoured with a Sovereign Award of Merit in 1978, recognizing his lifetime contribution to Thoroughbred racing. His induction to the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame took place in 1977, its US counterpart in 1982, the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 1990 and Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 1997.
Known as ‘El Perfecto’ Gomez lost his life in 1980 as a result of injuries sustained in a three horse spill in the Canadian Oaks at Woodbine. His legacy continues and his impact on the sport has not been forgotten.
Prior to the running of the Canadian Oaks each year the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award is presented to a jockey who has made a significant contribution to the sport. A life size statue of Gomez was erected a Woodbine Racetrack after his death.
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