ETOBICOKE, Ontario - Retired jockey Paul Souter, who posted 928 career riding wins, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award.  The treasured award is given to the person, Canadian-born, Canadian-raised, or a regular rider in the country for more than five years, who has made significant contributions to Thoroughbred racing. It is named in memory of the Cuban-born Gomez, who died of complications after a three-horse accident in the 1980 Canadian Oaks at Woodbine. To commemorate his legacy and lasting contributions to the sport, a life-size statue of Gomez, who called Toronto home, overlooks Woodbine’s walking ring. A replica is presented to each year’s recipient.  “I don't know what to say," said Souter. "Avelino was my friend and I'm thrilled to receive this honor. I only knew him for a short while, but when I started at Gulfstream, he was there for the winter vacationing and riding a bit - we became friends. “We came home and started riding here and I've never seen anybody like him since. He was entertaining and just a really good guy. I'm at a loss for words.” The highlight of Souter’s career was his front-running score in the 1982 Queen’s Plate aboard the Jerry Lavigne-trained Son of Briartic, who defeated Runaway Groom. :: Access the most trusted data and information in horse racing! DRF Past Performances and Picks are available now. “I watch it once every five years or so on the VHS,” Souter said. “My dad was at Orangeville Raceway because he didn't like crowds, but my mom was there, and it was the craziest day ever. “It's amazing that it was that long ago. It feels like it was only 10 years ago, to be honest. I still have some wonderful pictures of it. One of the headlines after was ‘The Weasel and the Squirrel.’ Jerry Lavigne's nickname was The Weasel. Mine was The Squirrel. I'm as thrilled with this award as I was with the Plate win.” The Avelino Gomez Memorial Award ceremony will take place June 29 at Woodbine. Previous Gomez award recipients include Ron Turcotte, Johnny Longden, Sandy Hawley, Don MacBeth, Jeff Fell, Stewart Elliott, Mickey Walls, Patrick Husbands, Gary Boulanger, Emma-Jayne Wilson, Eurico da Silva, and Russell Baze. :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.