The Avelino Gomez Memorial Award, awarded annually, honours a thoroughbred jockey for their exceptional contributions to Canadian racing. To qualify, a jockey must either be of Canadian descent, have been raised in Canada, or have resided in the country for at least five years.
Named after Avelino Gomez (1928 - June 1, 1980), a celebrated jockey of Cuban origin born in Havana, this prestigious accolade recognises his impactful legacy in Canada. Gomez began his racing career in Mexico City before moving to the U.S. and ultimately making Canada his home, where he became a fixture at Woodbine Racetrack for many years.
Gomez was a vibrant and joyful individual whose positive influence uplifted those around him. Retired jockey George Ho Sang, a close friend, fondly referred to him as “daddy” during their time at Woodbine. Known for his generosity, Gomez supported young jockeys, particularly those from overseas, recognising the challenges they faced in a new country. His lively spirit was evident in his singing and laughter, endearing him to many. He had a distinctive style of dismounting from his horse, a passionate leap that has since inspired Frankie Dettori. Beyond his captivating personality, Gomez was an extraordinary professional, leaving an indelible mark on North American racing and raising the bar for Canadian jockeys. He was affectionately known as "El Perfecto" and dominated Canadian jockey rankings in the 1950s and 1960s.
In a groundbreaking achievement, Gomez became the first and only North American jockey to win 300 races in a single season in 1966, boasting an unparalleled win rate of 32%. Overall, he claimed a remarkable 4,081 victories, with a 24% win rate. His accolades included four Queen's Plate titles and five wins each in prestigious races like the Summer Stakes and Coronation Futurity Stakes. The list of his accomplishments is extensive enough to warrant its own publication.
Tragically, in 1989, Gomez suffered life-threatening injuries in a horrific three-horse collision during the Canadian Oaks race at Woodbine. The shocking incident left family, friends, and fans in disbelief, mourning the loss of a beloved figure known for his songs, laughter, and humour. To honour his legacy, a life-sized statue of Gomez, crafted by Siggi Puchta, stands at Woodbine Racetrack. Even after his passing, Gomez's ability to attract talented and dedicated individuals continues through the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award, which recognizes outstanding Canadian jockeys and includes a replica of his statue. To date, 39 jockeys have received this prestigious honour.
Examples of Avelino Gomez Prize winners
The inaugural recipient of the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award in 1984 was the legendary jockey Ron Turcotte, known for his remarkable ride on Secretariat. Their iconic victory at the Belmont Stakes in June 1973, where they won by a staggering 31 lengths—an unprecedented margin in racing history—made them beloved figures in the sport. Tragically, in 1978, Turcotte suffered a serious accident that left him paralysed from the waist down. However, exhibiting remarkable resilience, he redirected his efforts towards family, agriculture, and charitable work. Now living happily in his native Canada, Turcotte has embraced a fulfilling life despite the challenges he has faced.
Sandy Hawley (1949)
Before launching his career as a jockey, Sandy Hawley worked as a plumber. After discovering his passion for racing, he began his journey at Woodbine racetrack, where he initially took care of horses and led them on walks. At just 19 years old, he made his debut as a jockey aboard a horse named Fly Alone. By the time he reached 20, he had already distinguished himself as North America's leading apprentice jockey. From 1970 to 1976, he dominated the North American racing scene, achieving the highest number of wins among jockeys.
Sandy Hawley secured 12 Canadian Triple Crown titles, triumphing in all three events of the Queen's Plate, Prince of Wales Stakes, and Breeders' Stakes on four occasions each. His achievements in the United States included notable victories in prestigious races such as the Alabama Stakes, Ashland Stakes, Bing Crosby Handicap, Whitney Handicap, Hollywood Gold Cup, and Hollywood Futurity. At Woodbine Racetrack, he famously won seven races in a single day twice, and at Santa Anita Racetrack, he accomplished the feat of six wins in one day on two separate occasions.
Over the course of his remarkable 31-year career, Sandy Hawley participated in 31,455 races, winning 6,449 of them, which translates to a success rate of 20.5 percent. His career earnings exceeded $88.7 million.
In 1987, Hawley faced a serious health challenge when he was diagnosed with skin cancer and given only a few months to live. Undeterred, he focused on maintaining his spirits, began taking experimental treatments, and adhered to a strict diet, ultimately overcoming the illness.
Even after retiring, Hawley remained active in the racing world. In 2008, he participated in the "Race of Living Legends" at Santa Anita Park alongside seven other Hall of Fame jockeys. The event was open to betting, and Hawley won the race aboard Tribal Chief, bringing his official win count to an impressive 6,450.
Female Jockeys, Award Winners
Francine Alicia Villeneuve (born in 1964) became the first Canadian woman to receive the Avelino Gomez Award in 2004. Often referred to as the "Queen of Fort Erie," she dedicated much of her career to the racetrack.
As a trailblazer in a field traditionally dominated by men, Villeneuve made history in June 1991 by becoming the first female jockey to compete in the Queen’s Plate, where she finished in second place. She participated in all the races that comprise the Canadian Triple Crown. Throughout her impressive 25-year racing career, she rode a total of 8,100 horses, ultimately retiring with 1,000 wins and earnings amounting to $15,466,554. Her achievements paved the way for other women in the sport, inspiring riders like Chantal Sutherland and Emma-Jane Wilson to follow in her footsteps and build upon her success.
Emma-Jane Wilson (1981) in 2018 she was the second female jockey to receive the Avelino Gomez Award. Although Emma started riding horses at the age of 9, she was not sure that this was her life's work until she met the famous Sandy Hawley.
The jockey convinced her that being tall is not the biggest problem in life, the most important thing is to believe in yourself and not be afraid to challenge this world. Which is what Emma-Jane did. Since then, she has 1,875 victories in her piggy bank, including her triumphant victory in the 2007 Queen's Plate on Mike Fox. Emma-Jane Wilson continues to perform, and now her earnings exceed $ 90 million, no other Canadian female jockey earns more. But there are no limits to desires, and we wish this amazing woman to fulfil hers.
Pros Who Bring Glory to the Country
Within the framework of a short excursion into the history of the Avelino Gomez Memorial Prize, it is impossible to list all of its laureates. Although the life and achievements of each of them are truly amazing and worthy of their own novel. Readers of this hypothetical series of books “The Lives of Remarkable Jockeys” would get great pleasure from reading and, what is especially valuable, would receive an impulse to a life full of drive and victories over unfavourable circumstances.
There is hope that something similar will happen, but for now we know the glorious names of the award recipients: Ron Turcotte, Johnny Longden, Sandy Hawley, Don MacBeth, Chris Rogers, Jeff Fell, Lloyd Duffy, Hugo Dittfach, Robin Platts, Larry Attard, Don Seymour, David Gall, Richard Grubb, Irwin Driedger, David Clark, Jim McKnight, Chris Loseth, Richard Dos Ramos, Robert Landry, Francine Villeneuve, Sam Krasner, John LeBlanc Sr., George Ho Sang, Jack Lauzon, Robert King Jr., Stewart Elliott, Emile Ramsammy, Steve Bahen, Mickey Walls, Patrick Husbands, Quincy Welch, Gary Stahlbaum, Gary Boulanger, Emma-Jayne Wilson, Frank Barroby, Eurico Rosa da Silva, Slade Callaghan, Russell Baze and the award winner 2024, a pupil of Avelino Gomez himself, Gunnar Lindberg.