Krasner wins Gomez Award

Sam Krasner, who retired from race riding last year, is this year's recipient of the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award.

The Gomez Award is presented annually at Woodbine on Labatt Woodbine Oaks Day, which is June 12 this year. The award is given to a jockey who is Canadian-born, Canadian-raised, or has ridden regularly in Canada for more than five years, and has made a significant contribution to the sport.

Gomez, one of the most popular riders in Canadian racing history, died after a spill in the 1980 running of the Oaks. A life-size statue of him overlooks the Woodbine walking ring, and a replica is presented to each year's recipient of the Gomez Award.

Krasner, 55, was born in Atlanta and now lives in Vancouver. He rode in Canada for 30 years and also competed in Seattle, Tampa Bay, and Cleveland, recording 3,136 lifetime victories.

Previous winners of the Gomez Award include John Longden, Ron Turcotte, Sandy Hawley, and Don MacBeth.