Jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson has been named the 2018 recipient of the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award. The award, presented annually on Woodbine Oaks day, honors the Cuban-born rider who died from complications after a three-horse spill in the 1980 Canadian Oaks and recognizes a Canadian-born or raised or regular rider in the country for more than five years, who has made significant contributions to the sport.
Wilson, an Ontario native, won the 2007 Queen's Plate and earned the Sovereign Award for top apprentice in 2005 and 2006, earning the Eclipse Award in the same category in 2005. A fixture at Woodbine since 2004, Wilson has topped the 100-win plateau on seven occasions and has amassed $70,155,656 in purse earnings.
“I've been trying to get words written down and thinking just how grateful I am,” Wilson said. “I've worked hard and been dedicated to this sport, so to be recognized in this way is truly special. I want to make sure I don't forget anybody. Without the opportunities I was given, I may not have had a chance to shine. I want to make sure I cover as much as I can. When Tom Cosgrove [chair of both the Nomination and Election Committees for the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame] phoned me, even now…I choke up a little bit. I can't believe it.”
Of Gomez, Wilson added, “I never met him, but he's a legend. And his legacy lives on. His career, although it was cut short, was unbelievable. There's a picture of Avelino in the jocks' room. He has dirt all over his face, but there's a look of confidence and bravado. I only wish I could have a little bit of that in this game. He's left his mark on Woodbine and horse racing with his character and his success.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
