Baze Earns 2023 Avelino Gomez Memorial Award

Russell Baze, who recorded 12,842 career wins, 270 of them stakes, has been named the 2023 recipient of the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award. The treasured Gomez 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 Thoroughbred racing. It is named in memory of one of the sport's most successful and revered performers. The Cuban-born Gomez died of complications after a three-horse accident in the 1980 Canadian Oaks. To commemorate his lasting contributions to the sport, a life-size statue of Gomez, who called Toronto home and raised a family there, keeps watch over Woodbine's walking ring. A replica is presented to each year's recipient. "It's always nice to be recognized by people in the industry that you're involved in," said Baze. "This is the kind of award that everybody should be very honored to receive." Baze, who retired in 2016, is no doubt deserving of such distinction, having enjoyed phenomenal success over a career that got out of the gates when he was just 16. A native of Vancouver, British Columbia, Baze was a prominent name on the North American racing circuit for 42 years, and he retired as the all-time leader for wins by a jockey, a title he still holds. His résumé also features a strong collection of grade 1 victories, such as the Ancient Title Stakes (G1), King's Bishop Stakes (G1), Santa Monica Handicap (G1), and Oak Tree Invitational (G1T). Overall, he earned 97 graded stakes triumphs.