Garrett Gomez hires Tony Matos as his new agent

ARCADIA, Calif. – Garrett Gomez will be represented by veteran jockey agent Tony Matos, effective immediately.

Gomez and agent Ron Anderson split early this week; Gomez hired Matos on Thursday. Matos has represented jockey Victor Espinoza for 13 years and will continue to do so.

“He was the best guy for the job, I’m really happy,” Gomez said. “And I was pleased with his concern for Victor.”

Matos agreed to take Gomez on the condition he could also represent Espinoza.

“I asked [Gomez] if I could keep Victor, and he said fine,” Matos said.

The odd man out is jockey Christian Santiago-Reyes, who was informed late Thursday afternoon by Matos that he will need a new agent. Matos will represent only two riders, Gomez and Espinoza.

Gomez, who desires to spend more time with his family at home in California, will ride at Keeneland this spring before returning to California for good.

“I am still going to Kentucky, through the Derby,” Gomez said. “And then the plan is to come back here and tear it up.”

Gomez, 39, led the nation in purse earnings four of the past five years, and won the Eclipse Award for outstanding jockey in 2007 and 2008.

“Garrett’s done everything, so hopefully we can keep it going,” Matos said. Matos previously represented Angel Cordero and Laffit Pincay, Jr., each for more than 10 years.