Class act Dominguez worthy of Hall
Despite not being retired for the required five years, former jockey Ramon Dominguez will be eligible for the National Horse Racing Hall of Fame this year after an injury in 2013 ended his career.
A classy move for a classy jockey.
The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame waived a few requirements Wednesday, clearing the way for retired rider Ramon Dominguez tobe eligible for the Hall of Fame this year.
A three- time Eclipse Award winner, Dominguez was injured and forced to end his career in 2013, but can be considered for the Hall of Fame even though he hasn’t been retired for the required five years.
The Hall’s executive committee said in a news release that it can waive the fiveyear retirement rule “at its discretion based on special circumstances.”
Also, the committee said Dominguez would have been eligible this year if he had continued riding based on another requirement — 20 years riding since being licensed in North America. He started in 1996.
Dominguez was a special rider, among the most popular riders and an ambassador for the sport. Although he never won a Triple Crown race, he chalked up nearly 5,000 victories and earned more than $190 million in purses. He led the nation in earnings three times and in wins two times.
Among the horses he won with were 2011 Horse of the Year Havre de Grace, Eclipse Award winner Gio Ponti and 2006 Horse of the Year Invasor (a win in the 2006 Pimlico Special).
The nominating committee meets later this month to select finalists for the Hall of Fame. Expected nominees include Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta and jockey Victor Espinoza, who rode Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.
Here are some of things to know about Dominguez: horse and unseated the rider, who was then kicked by a trailing horse. Dominguez spent three weeks in three hospitals before his release in early February 2013. He has recovered, but retired from riding rather than risk another injury.
Castellano.