May 30, 2009
Robert King Named 2009 Avelino Gomez Award Recipient

Toronto, May 30...Robert King, who has worn many different hats throughout his enduring horse racing career, was today named the 2009 recipient of the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award.

Born May 14, 1964 in Ottawa, Ontario, King notched his first riding win
on November 6, 1982, before switching to the training ranks in the
1990’s. He returned to ride in 2005, hanging up his tack three
years later to take on the role as National Secretary-Manager of the
Jockeys’ Benefit Association of Canada (JBAC).

Of all his accolades and honours, which include back-to-back Sovereign
Awards as Canada’s top apprentice in 1983 and 1984, as well as four
consecutive Ontario meet titles (1983 Woodbine Autumn, 1983 Greenwood
Autumn, 1984 Greenwood Spring and 1984 Woodbine Summer), King lists the
Gomez Award as among his most cherished ones.

“I’m quite humbled to receive this great honour,” said King.
“To have your name associated with such a great rider and great
competitor leaves you lost for words. I’ve always considered myself
very fortunate to be part of such a great sport and this makes it even
more special.”

The coveted 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 the sport.

Presented annually on Woodbine Oaks day (Sunday, June 7 in 2009) at
Woodbine, the honour is in memory of 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.

“When you look at the list of people who have won this award in the
past, it really puts things into perspective,” offered King.

King, who developed his affinity for thoroughbred racing through his
parents, who commuted weekends from Ottawa to Woodbine to watch him
ride, recorded 1,349 wins, including 37 stakes, over his riding career.

One of his most memorable victories came when he piloted Don’t Trust
Me to an upset score over Canada’s 1992 Horse of the Year, Benburb, in
the 1993 Fair Play Breeders’ Cup.

As a conditioner, King saddled 29 winners, three of which were in
stakes races.

King displayed his competitive edge upon his return to the saddle,
taking back-to-back Fort Erie jockey titles, including a 106-win season
in 2007, 33 victories ahead of his nearest competitor. The year prior,
he recorded 111 wins, 29 ahead of his closest rival.

Now, King handles the reins of the JBAC, a non-profit corporation which
operates to assist and represent jockeys as a group across the country.

“It’s a privilege to be able to work together with a great group of
athletes,” said King. “Although I haven’t been in the role a long
time, I’ve truly enjoyed it.”

King joins Ron Turcotte, Johnny 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, Sam Krasner, John LeBlanc Sr., George Ho Sang and
last year’s recipient, Jack Lauzon, as Gomez honourees.

Daryl Wells
Media and Communications
1-800-295-3770 ext. 3204
e-mail: dwells@forterieracetrack.ca