Page 11 - The Game June 2006

Your Thoroughbred Racing Community Newspaper The Game, June 2006 11
John LeBlanc named recipient of the 2006 Avelino Gomez Memorial Award
Did You Know...
The thoroughbred’s conformation makes it an ideal runner, capable of covering more than 20 feet
in a single stride while reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. The rear legs act much like
springs as they bend and straighten during running. The tremendous “spring power” helps thrust the horse forward as its front legs provide “pull”.
John LeBlanc, the man who partnered La Prevoyante, Canada's Horse of the Year in 1972 and Angle Light, Secretariat's entrymate in the 1973 Kentucky Derby, was today named the 2006 recipient of the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award.
Born in Rogersville, New Brunswick on November 23, 1939, LeBlanc, who decided to become a jockey after reading a newspaper article on the
sport in the late 1950s, is humbled to
find his name tied to one of the sport's
most prominent names.
and a year later became an apprentice, campaigning in Ohio and at Montreal's Blue Bonnets. LeBlanc came to the OJC circuit (Woodbine, Greenwood, Fort Erie) to stay in 1963.
His finest years were 1965 (123 wins) and 1970, when he recorded 121 wins, finishing as Canada's third leading rider behind Hall of Fame legend Sandy
"It is a great honour to be chosen to receive this award," said LeBlanc, whose family worked in standardbred racing. "What makes it even more special is that I rode with Avelino Gomez for many years, and although we were competitors out on the race- track, we became very good friends."
The coveted award is given to the person, Canadian-born, Canadian- raised or regular rider in the country for more than five years, who has made significant contributions to the sport.
Jockey John LeBlanc in his riding days at Woodbine
Hawley.
Unquestionably, the finest
thoroughbred LeBlanc rode was La Prevoyante, named champion two- year-old filly in North America in 1972. She was undefeated in 12 starts, each ridden by LeBlanc, and earned over $400,000 that season.
"She was by far the best horse I ever rode," said LeBlanc. "She was something else."
LeBlanc also rode two other Canadian legends, Kennedy Road and Glorious Song, to stakes wins in his career.
Other highlights came in Canada's Triple Crown series. Consecutive Breeders' Stakes triumphs in 1968 and
Presented annually on (Labatt Woodbine) Oaks day (Sunday, June 11 in 2006) at Woodbine, the honour is in memory of Gomez, one of the sport's most heralded and revered performers. The Cuban-born Gomez died of complications after a three-horse accident in the 1980 Canadian Oaks.
As a lasting reminder of his contributions, a life-size statue of Gomez, who called Toronto home and raised a family there, proudly overlooks Woodbine's pristine walking ring. A replica is presented to each year's honouree.
LeBlanc won his first race on October 9, 1961, aboard Flakwin ($128.20) at Thistledown Racetrack in Ohio. He made 1,466 trips to the winner's circle in his race-riding career, which spanned from 1961 to 1990.
Members of LeBlanc's family are also thrilled with the announcement.
"I'm very proud," said LeBlanc's son, John Jr., a thoroughbred trainer based at Woodbine. "Not only of his many successes, but I especially remember the numerous injuries, comebacks, and the hard times that my father endured and overcame, and the courage he displayed which has led to this great milestone."
The elder LeBlanc joined Windfields Farm in 1960,
1969 with No Parando and Grey Whiz, respectively, preceded victories in the Prince of Wales, at Fort Erie, in 1972 with Presidial and Val Dansant in 1984.
After retiring from competitive riding in 1990, LeBlanc kept his hand in the sport as a jockey's valet at the Toronto oval. Currently, he helps out at his son's barn on the Woodbine backstretch, walking "hots" and getting on the odd horse.
LeBlanc joins Ron Turcotte, John Longden, Sandy Hawley, Don MacBeth, Chris Rogers, Jeff Fell, Lloyd Duffy, Hugo Dittfach, Robin Platts, Larry Attard, Don Seymour, David Gall, Richard Grubb, Irwin Driedger, David Clark, Jim McKnight, Chris Loseth, Richard Dos Ramos, Robert Landry, Francine Villeneuve and Sam Krasner as Gomez honourees.
Information courtesy of WEG Media Relations
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While in the jock's room, I heard that Klaus, a valet, had a heart attack the previ- ous night. Off to Etobicoke General. "Hi me again" as I ask the receptionist about Klaus. "Not here" "Are you sure?" "Yes, I'm sure" (Dirty look). "How about emergency", I asked gently. She says yes, he may be there. Over to Emerge- "No he's not here. He's been transferred to Trillium." Call Trillium. "Yes, he's here". Off to Trillium. Call Bobby in the jock's room to let him know where Klaus is. (Earlier someone had tried to visit Klaus, only to find out that they couldn't locate
him at E-General). "His sister says he's being transferred back to Etobicoke". Hmmmm. Call Trillium: "Yes he's here." (Who knows when they'll transfer him.) Get to Trillium, head up to Cardio Unit, and pass a giant picture of Colonel Sanders who may have contributed to a few heart attacks - ask for Klaus. "He just left" the nurse
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