Retired rider Izzy Gonzalez dead at age 49

Retired jockey and racing official Ismael “Izzy” Gonzalez died in his sleep at his home in Grove City, Ohio, on Friday morning. The 49-year-old Gonzalez rode from 1983 to 2000 and retired to become clerk of scales at Beulah Park. He later served in the same position at Presque Isle Downs.

Gonzalez was not breathing when he was found by his wife, Jennifer Nales Gonzalez. Paramedics were unable to revive him.

Jennifer is a placing judge at Beulah Park.