Jockey Ramon Dominguez, who was injured in a fall at the Aqueduct Racetrack in January, has announced his retirement from racing.
Leading American jockey at the time, Dominguez fractured his skull when he fell off Convocation, who clipped heels with Sovereign Default and fell forward, pitching Dominguez to the ground.
In a statement, released by the New York Racing Association on June 13th, Dominguez said:
“Riding thoroughbreds has always been my passion and my calling. When I was 13 and watched my first horse race in Venezuela, I knew that I would become a jockey, and my riding career has brought happiness and success beyond what I ever expected.
“Thus, it is extremely difficult for me to announce that due to the severity of the injuries I sustained in an accident at Aqueduct Racetrack on January 18, 2013, my professional riding career has come to an end. While I hoped and even expected to be able to return to the saddle, as a result of my injuries and upon the advice of my treating physicians, it has been determined that I will no longer be able to pursue my career as a jockey.
“I want to personally thank my family, fans, and fellow riders for overwhelming support in the months since my accident. I chose to make this statement to end speculation about my future, but I am not yet ready to speak publicly. I will come forward on my own, but in the meantime I ask that you please respect my privacy as I continue my recovery.”
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