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lot of integrity, and he loves what he does. That’s what makes him successful in it.”
Horse jockey in California and the PCQHRA Jockey of the Year Award. In 2002 he set an all-time record at Los Alamitos with 220 single- season wins and 24 single-season stakes wins
and swept the Los Alamitos Winter Derby, the Southern California Derby and the Los Alamitos Derby. He was also named AQHA Champion Jockey that year.
Despite a two-month layup in 2004 due
to a spill, he finished the year third in the Los Alamitos standings, won 12 stakes races and
a meet-high 38 allowance races. In 2009 he topped the earnings rankings, winning a second AQHA Champion Jockey title.
He won the All American Futurity three times — in 2009 aboard Runnning Brook Gal, in 2012 on One Dashing Eagle, and in 2014 riding JM Miracle. He also won the All American Derby twice — in 2008 riding Noconi and in 2011 astride Llano Teller.
Although Ramon suffered his fair share
of injuries while riding, 2015 proved to be a particularly challenging year. In January he injured his foot; in July, his shoulder; and in September, his bicep. The year saw him ride less than 30% of his usual races. “He had a lot of time off for recovery,” says Laura.
He returned to the track in February 2016. “Now he’s doing well,” Laura says. “Everything’s healed up and he’s just trying to get back on a roll now.” Although he’s ridden only 87 races thus far this year, he’s earned $244,209.
Ramon Sanchez has won the All American Futurity 3 times: in 2009 with 2-time Champion Runnning Brook Gal; in 2012 with World Champion One Dashing Eagle; and in 2014 with JM Miracle.
FAMILY TIES
Although his accomplishments on the track mean a lot to Ramon, his family means even more. He and Laura now have three children: 4-year-old Ramon, Jr., or “R.J.”; 3-year-old Lauren Marie; and Victoria, who will be 2 in October.
“Laura and my kids are important reasons
in my life to keep going in my career,” he says. “But maybe the award means I’m complete in my career. Everybody has their time and their own season.”
“He’s thinking about retiring,” admits Laura. “But he’s still trying to get back little by little. I kind of know him and I think he’ll be there for a few more years. He turned 40 this year and I think he’s got at least another five years in him.”
Time will tell. With 10,409 starts under his belt and career earnings in excess of $40 million, it’s fair to say he’s had an outstanding career. “A lot of other riders go out there for the money,” says Ramon’s former agent, Monty Ohlemacher. “Any time Ramon gets on a horse, he goes out hoping he can win. He’s one of the best I’ve ever seen. He has a natural talent and if he makes
a mistake, he learns from it. He’s got a lot of integrity, and he loves what he does. That’s what makes him successful in it.”
And that’s what will undoubtedly take Ramon Sanchez to many more winner’s circles to come.
For more about Ramon, see “Living the American Dream” in the December 2013 issue of Speedhorse.
The painting of Ramon Sanchez by artist Linda Manion
Brian Rigby Presents Sam Thompson Memorial Jockey Award
Longtime horse sale announcer Brian Rigby was the emcee for the 6th annual Sam Thompson Memorial Jockey Award ceremony at Ruidoso Downs during All American weekend on Sunday, September 4. Rigby, along with the Ruidoso jockey group and representa- tives from Speedhorse and the Jockeys’ Guild, honored this year’s recipient Ramon Sanchez.
Rigby can be found announcing at the major Quarter Horse sales throughout sale season, including California, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. For over 30 years, he has operated B. A. Rigby & Associates, a premier real estate auction firm that boasts a staff of professional auc- tioneers, bid assistants and managers that are equipped to conduct any type of auction.
Speedhorse extends our thanks to Brian for his expertise and professionalism.
Runnning Brook Gal
One Dashing Eagle
JM Miracle
SPEEDHORSE, October 2016 39