Elliott honored with Avelino Gomez Memorial Award

Terming it one of the most significant moments in his riding career, jockey

Stewart Elliott received the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award in a trackside

ceremony on Sunday afternoon at Woodbine. 

Elliott, whose career includes a high-profile U.S. Triple Crown campaign with

Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness (G1) winner, Smarty Jones, was joined by

family, friends and fellow jockeys on Woodbine Oaks Day, as Jacqui Gomez,

daughter of Avelino Gomez, presented the statue to the rider who has more than

4,100 career wins.

"On behalf of the Gomez family, it gives me great pleasure to present this

award to Stewart Elliott," Jacqui Gomez said. 

The Gomez honor is awarded annually to the person, Canadian-born,

Canadian-raised, or a regular rider in the country for more than five years, who

has made significant contributions to the sport. 

"When I received the phone call telling me I had won the Avelino Gomez

Memorial Award, I was truly humbled," Elliott said. "To have my name associated

with one of the most talented riders and colorful characters the sport has ever

seen, is a wonderful feeling."

Born March 1, 1965, Elliott lived in Toronto, Ontario, until he was seven

years old, when, in 1972 he moved with his family to Hong Kong for six years,

where his father Dennis rode. Upon returning to the United States, Elliott, Jr.

began to think about a riding career. He won his first race at Keystone Park

(now Philadelphia Park) on January 31, 1981, with Jack's Ruby.  

Elliott has worked tirelessly at his craft over the years. On May 13, 2003,

he recorded his 3,000th career win, reaching the 4,000-win plateau on January

18, 2009, at Philadelphia Park.

"Almost one year ago, I was here at Woodbine, one of the top racetracks in

North America, to win the Woodbine Oaks with Milwaukee Appeal, a huge highlight

for me," Elliott said. "And now I'm back to accept this great honor. When I look

at the list of riders who have won this award, it truly puts it all into

perspective." 

The award is presented in memory of Gomez, one of North America's most

prolific and personable jockeys. Gomez, or "El Perfecto" as he was known by

racing fans, died of complications after a three-horse accident during the

running of the Canadian Oaks in 1980.

A life-size statue of the Cuban-born Gomez, who settled in Toronto and raised

a family in the city, proudly holds court above the Woodbine walking ring. A

replica is presented to each year's winner.

Elliott joins Ron Turcotte, the late John Longden, Sandy Hawley, the late Don

MacBeth, the late Chris Rogers, Jeff Fell, Lloyd Duffy, Hugo Dittfach, Robin

Platts, Larry Attard, Don Seymour, David Gall, Richard Grubb, Irwin Driedger,

David Clark, James McKnight, Chris Loseth, Richard Dos Ramos, Robert Landry,

Francine Villeneuve, Sam Krasner, John LeBlanc Sr., George Ho Sang, Jack Lauzon

and Robert King, as Gomez honorees.