Del Mar: Garrett Gomez takes off mounts again

DEL MAR, Calif. – Jockey Garrett Gomez took off his mounts on Wednesday’s opening day at Del Mar, a week after he resumed riding following a self-imposed month-long break to deal with what he described as marital problems.

Gomez, 41, was booked to ride five of the 10 races on Wednesday, including Examen and Olympic Blue in divisions of the Oceanside Stakes. Wednesday morning, Gomez’s agent, Tony Matos, told stewards that the jockey would not ride.

“We were contacted by his agent, but we don’t know the details,” steward Scott Chaney said.

Gomez and Matos did not return phone calls Wednesday seeking comment.

[DEL MAR 2013: Complete meet coverage, schedule, race replays]

Gomez took off his mounts on June 13 at Betfair Hollywood Park, citing the need to spend time with his family. He returned to riding at Hollywood Park on July 11, but was winless with five mounts through closing day last Sunday, including a third in the Grade 1 American Oaks on Topic last Saturday.

On July 11, he said he was glad “to be back in action and doing what I do,” expressing excitement about the upcoming Del Mar meeting.

Gomez declined at the time to discuss his family issues at length.

“It’s working with my wife and family,” Gomez said. “It’s personal business. It’s typical married life. You have your ups and downs. Everybody goes through it.”