Toronto, ON – Robert King, who has worn many different hats throughout his enduring horse racing career, was today named the 2009 recipient of the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award.
Born May 14, 1964 in Ottawa, Ontario, King notched his first riding win on November 6, 1982, before switching to the training ranks in the 1990’s. He returned to ride in 2005, hanging up his tack three years later to take on the role as National Secretary-Manager of the Jockeys’ Benefit Association of Canada (JBAC).
Of all his accolades and honours, which include back-to-back Sovereign Awards as Canada’s top apprentice in 1983 and 1984, as well as four consecutive Ontario meet titles (1983 Woodbine Autumn, 1983 Greenwood Autumn, 1984 Greenwood Spring and 1984 Woodbine Summer), King lists the Gomez Award as among his most cherished ones.
“I’m quite humbled to receive this great honour,” said King. “To have your name associated with such a great rider and great competitor leaves you lost for words. I’ve always considered myself very fortunate to be part of such a great sport and this makes it even more special.”
The coveted Gomez Award is given to the person, Canadian-born, Canadian-raised or regular rider in the country for more than five years, who has made significant contributions to the sport. Presented annually on Woodbine Oaks day (Sunday, June 7 in 2009) at Woodbine, the honour is in memory of one of the sport’s most heralded and revered performers. The Cuban-born Gomez died of complications after a three-horse accident in the 1980 Canadian Oaks. As a lasting reminder of his contributions, a life-size statue of Gomez, who called Toronto home and raised a family there, proudly overlooks Woodbine’s pristine walking ring. A replica is presented to each year’s honouree.
“When you look at the list of people who have won this award in the past, it really puts things into perspective,” offered King.
King, who developed his affinity for thoroughbred racing through his parents, who commuted weekends from Ottawa to Woodbine to watch him ride, recorded 1,349 wins, including 37 stakes, over his riding career. One of his most memorable victories came when he piloted Don’t Trust Me to an upset score over Canada’s 1992 Horse of the Year, Benburb, in the 1993 Fair Play Breeders’ Cup. As a conditioner, King saddled 29 winners, three of which were in stakes races.
King displayed his competitive edge upon his return to the saddle, taking back-to-back Fort Erie jockey titles, including a 106-win season in 2007, 33 victories ahead of his nearest competitor. The year prior, he recorded 111 wins, 29 ahead of his closest rival. Now, King handles the reins of the JBAC, a non-profit corporation which operates to assist and represent jockeys as a group across the country.
“It’s a privilege to be able to work together with a great group of athletes,” said King. “Although I haven’t been in the role a long time, I’ve truly enjoyed it.”
King joins 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 and last year’s recipient, Jack Lauzon, as Gomez honourees.
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