Garrett Gomez to Sign his new Book Today at Del Mar

Author Rudy Alvarado and jockey Garrett Gomez with Mary Forney at the book signing during the GoGo Golfing for Winners' Foundation golf tourney on April 9, 2012. (photo: Nora Lee)

Don't miss an opportunity to meet internationally acclaimed jockey Garrett Gomez and award-winning biographer Rudy Alvarado TODAY at Del Mar, where they will be signing copies of The Garrett Gomez Story: A Jockey's Jouirney Through Addiction & Salvation.

The remarkable book chronicles Gomez' journey through the depths of alcoholism and drug addiction to his amazing recovery.

"I didn't want a book about my history as a jockey," said Gomez. "I wanted a book that was going to inspire and touch people." That is precisely what Gomez and Alvarado were able to accomplish in this fascinating and moving story.

It is well worth the read, and for those lucky enough to be at today's book signing the icing on the cake will be the moment when they look  into the eyes of the man who lived through hell and emerged with the strength and determination to have a positive impact on the lives of us all.

The book signing takes place in the Plaza de Mexico at Del Mar Racetrack from noon to 1:30 p.m. today. All proceeds will benefit Winners Foundation.

Paulick Report Features California's Winners Foundation

This week's "Good News Friday" feature on The Paulick Report introduces readers to the Winners Foundation, California's statewide organization that helps front and backside employees troubled by alcohol, drugs, or gambling problems.

Thanks to the Paulick Report for giving a boost to a very worthwhile and important program that supports one of the most important groups in our great sport -- the people who work with our equine athletes. Read the story here.

Garrett Gomez and So. California Jockeys Donate $16,500 to Winners Foundation

Edited Santa Anita press release.
Jockey Garrett Gomez and a group of Southern California based riders contributed $16,500 to the Winners Foundation today in a winners' circle ceremony following the sixth race at Santa Anita Park. The Winners Foundation helps individuals and families in the racing industry with alcohol and substance abuse problems.

"Without the Winners Foundation, I wouldn't be riding today," said Gomez, who led all North American jockeys in purse money won for a third consecutive year in 2008. "I owe a deep debt of gratitude to Bob Fletcher and everyone involved with the Winners Foundation. They have provided me strength and have helped me maintain my focus during my period of recovery. My family and I could never thank them enough, and I'm honored to be able to give back to the Winners Foundation in this way.

"They help people throughout racing, on the backside, frontside, everywhere. I can't think of a more deserving organization, and I know I speak for hundreds of other people. They do great work, and I wish them all the best in the New Year," he added.

The check was presented on behalf of the jockeys by Darrell Haire, Western Regional Jockey Guild Manager and Winners Foundation board member. Accepting the check on behalf of Winners Foundation were executive director Bob Fletcher, board president Gino Roncelli, and directors Mary Forney and George Haines. Haines is also general manager of Santa Anita.

A Visit to Winners Foundation

LeRoy Martinez and Bob Fletcher at Winners Foundation Santa Anita office.

I was recently honored to be appointed to the board of directors of Winners Foundation, a non-profit organization established to provide information, support and referral sources to employees and family members of the California horse racing community. Founded in 1984, its primary purpose is to assist men and women whose personal and professional lives, and those of their loved ones, are being adversely affected as a result of alcohol and/or substance abuse.

Also appointed was Michael Kilpack, Supervising Investigator, Southern Region, for the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB). Kilpack has been with the CHRB since 1984, and worked 20 years at Southern California Thoroughbred tracks. He is currently assigned to the Los Alamitos field office.

Completing the board are Thomas Capehart, Charles Dougherty, Jr., George Haines, Darrell Haire, Joseph Harper (Chair), James Henwood, Doris Johnson, Beverly Lewis, Donald Murray, George Nicholaw, Neil O’Dwyer, Gino Roncelli (President), Noble Threewitt, Peter Tunney, and Michael Ziegler.

Although I have long admired the work of Winners Foundation, and have volunteered to work at their annual charity golf tournaments for years, this week I made my first visit to its Santa Anita offices. I immediately felt immersed in an atmosphere of serenity.

“We say we’re like Switzerland,” said Executive Director, Bob Fletcher. “We provide a neutral place people can come and just hang out, feel safe, find respite from the things in their lives bothering them, and hopefully some solutions.”

At all Winners Foundation facilities, confidentiality laws are respected, and the organization is totally independent – meaning they are not mandated to answer to the California Horse Racing Board, track security, or track management.

“The nice thing about it is the racetracks respect that,” said Fletcher. “So, people can come by, sit on the couch, get a cup of coffee, maybe watch a race or two, air their grievances. We want this to be their clubhouse, their sanctuary. Then, when the trust is built, we have a better opportunity to help them."

Winners Foundation has skilled and caring representatives at each of the California primary tracks as well as each of the racing fairs. The Southern California staff includes senior case manager LeRoy Martinez and executive assistant Yolanda Pina. Nora Lee is the supervisor in Northern California, along with senior case manager Armando Calero.

Winners Foundation provides confidential assistance on a one-to-one basis to employees and family members seeking help, supplying simple information and direction to more formal recovery programs.

Any employee or family member of the California thoroughbred horse racing community, that is eligible, may seek assistance and referrals free of charge. This includes backstretch workers as well as frontside employees of Del Mar, Fairplex, Golden Gate Fields, Hollywood Park, Oak Tree, Santa Anita and the California Association of Racing Fairs.

I am truly honored to join such an esteemed group as a board member, and look forward to working with them for the betterment of the lives of the people of our great sport. To contact Winners Foundation or make a donation, click here.