Jocy Gomez comes out on top in Venezuela

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Lost among all the hoopla of opening week here was the result of the Jockey Challenge held at Hipodromo La Rinconada in Caracas, Venezuela, on Dec. 6. Jocy Gomez pulled off a major upset, winning the competition over a field that included John Velazquez, Javier Castellano, Alex Solis, and Ramsey Zimmerman.

Gomez, 37, posted a win, a second, and a third-place finish in the four-race contest at La Rinconada. Gomez, who was fortunate to escape serious injury in a frightening spill at Gulfstream less than two weeks prior to departing for Venezuela, began her riding career at Hialeah in 1997. She rode through 2004, then took a nine-year sabbatical before returning to the saddle last season. She has won 40 races in the United States in 2014.

“Other than winning my first race, this was definitely the most memorable moment of my career,” said Gomez. “I felt blessed and honored just to be given the opportunity to take part in the competition in Venezuela. It was a great experience, and to be honest, I never expected to come out on top against all those outstanding riders.”