Ramon Dominguez retires

mclem0822 · #1 06-13-2013, 10:08 AM

The SMARTEST riderI think I ever saw, could take a horse to the lead and put em to sleep, or be extremely patient and wait. Wish him nothing but the best. Sad loss for the game, but glad he is ok.

ateamstupid · #2 06-13-2013, 10:15 AM

Terrible news. The guy was as reliable as they come. He'll be missed.

JJP · #3 06-13-2013, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mclem0822

The SMARTEST riderI think I ever saw, could take a horse to the lead and put em to sleep, or be extremely patient and wait. Wish him nothing but the best. Sad loss for the game, but glad he is ok.

He reminded me of Pat Day the way he could get a horse to relax.

trackrat59 · #4 06-13-2013, 10:33 AM

Sad loss for the game for sure. Having said that I'll be smiling when he's ready to return to contribute in a different capacity. As classy and as well liked as he appears to be, we clearly need him back.

I continue to wish him well and God bless him and his family.

Revidere · #5 06-13-2013, 10:39 AM

Agreed on all counts. Class act.

And he always had time for young fans.

TheFlyingFilly · #6 06-13-2013, 10:45 AM

I echo what others have said--he is a true class act and will always remain one of my favorite jockeys of all time. Very sad to see him retire.

Here he is on Little Mike in the paddock before they won the Arlington Million last year:

knickslions2 · #7 06-13-2013, 10:53 AM

Sad news indeed. Always knew when I bet a horse with him aboard I would get a great ride. Hope the best for a full recovery. Will be missed.

Danzig · #8 06-13-2013, 11:40 AM

just awful. i was afraid it might be the case, but was hoping he'd make it back. hate to see their careers end too soon. he will be missed for sure! great guy, great rider.
reminds of when i saw what turned out to be laffits last ride. hate to see things like that happen.

#9 06-13-2013, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheFlyingFilly

Here he is on Little Mike in the paddock before they won the Arlington Million last year:

Fond memories of that sensational ride! Wish him nothing but a full recovery and continued success in the game.

hoovesupsideyourhead · #10 06-13-2013, 12:25 PM

he was at the top of his game. sorry for him he will be missed.

OldDog · #11 06-13-2013, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trackrat59

Sad loss for the game for sure. Having said that I'll be smiling when he's ready to return to contribute in a different capacity. As classy and as well liked as he appears to be, we clearly need him back.

I continue to wish him well and God bless him and his family.

I can only echo your sentiments.

A favorite rider aboard a favorite horse, both now retired

Conrad · #12 06-13-2013, 10:24 AM

I started attending the Preakness in 1999 and stumbled upon Dominguez - how could I not?
He won everything, but one race really endeared me to him.
Ramon had a mount in the race after the Preakness in 2004, and I bet on him as he rode a debuter named Fully Engaged at 7-1...hopelessly last by about 14 lengths at the 1/4 pole, Ramon rode the hair off this guy to run by Ball Four (among others) and get up by a nostril.
What a thrill - he's been my favorite ever since.
Ramon used to make forays to Belmont and Saratoga for a few years (mainly riding for Motion) and it was only a matter of time before the move became permanent.

Too bad he never won a Triple Crown race
I would take him over any jock in the last 15yrs