Yesterday we lost a great jockey and from all personal accounts a great man with a generous nature and big heart. Garrett Gomez battled drug and alcohol addiction throughout his life and career only to finally succumb to an overdose Wednesday. He followed in the footsteps of his father becoming a jockey after dropping out of high school at 16 to ride at Santa Fe Downs. Winning 3,769 races over a 25 year career, including 13 Breeder's Cup victories, but none more memorable than his ride in the 2010 Breeder's Cup Classic win on Blame over Zenyatta. In a four year stretch, from 2006 - 2009 he was the nation's leading jockey by earnings, while claiming two Eclipse awards for best jockey, just to name a few of his accolades. The list of notable horses he has saddled is a who's-who of stallions and broodmares. And while he defeated countless opponents over his vast and storied career, there was one opponent he would never defeat, addiction. So please take the time to reflect on your own life and those around you who are afflicted with this disease that is often celebrated and laughed at, for it can truly be deadly. Please enjoy Garrett's finest ride of his career and his post race analysis and remember him as the champion he was.
