Page 57 - 14 September 2012

A large crowd gathered in the Ruidoso Downs winner’s circle for the second annual Sam Thompson Memorial Jockey Award.
Ortiz signs a poster for JoBaya Foreman.
it after the popular George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award in the Thoroughbred industry.
In addition to the trophy, Ortiz also received a belt buckle, presented by Speedhorse President and Editor-In-Chief John Bachelor Jr., and a signed print of a Sam Thompson painting presented by the artist, Linda Manion. Manion painted the portrait exclusively
for the Sam Thompson Memorial Jockey Award. Ortiz’s name has also been added to a
Sam Sr. and Kathy Thompson (right) presented the award to Gilbert Ortiz and his family— son Gilbert Andrew, wife Priscilla, and daughters Kourtney and Jessica.
permanent trophy to be displayed every year at the award ceremony and at industry events.
“I was nominated last year and it feels good just to be nominated in a situation like this,” said Ortiz. “Winning this award means a lot
to me because Sam Thompson was a good guy and did a lot for the Quarter Horse industry and in the jock’s room. It makes me feel good that people think I’ve accomplished things off the track and in the jock’s room, as far as being
a leader. It’s an honor to win.”
Following the award ceremony, Ortiz signed
exclusive Sam Thompson Memorial Jockey Award posters at the Speedhorse booth during the Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale.
The Sam Thompson Memorial Jockey award is a peer-elected award. Jockeys are asked to vote for the person whose personal character on and off the racetrack reflects positively on Quarter Horse racing.
SPEEDHORSE, September 14, 2012 55
Stacy Pigott: Speedhorse
Stacy Pigott: Speedhorse