12/17/2016
The "Classic"
Garrett Gomez aboard Blame take down the legendary, at at the time undefeated with Zenyatta with Mike Smith aboard. This might have been Garrett Gomez's biggest accomplishment in his career.
I (Kris Marquis) and my friend (Cliff Delgado) were Garrett Gomez's guest on this day. Garrett Gomez had an amazing day. I remember it as if it was yesterday and one of my favorite memories of my life. We were with Garrett before the races, had box seats at the finish line with his wife Pam, and we got to visit the "Winner's Circle" when Garrett pulled off the upset. We visited the Winners Circle three times that day with Garrett. .
For those that remember, this was an amazing race. But being there, and being Garrett's guest was a whole nother world. The electricity in the crowd was like I've never seen it before. And I've been with Garrett to 4 Breeder's Cup's 2 Kentucky Derby's and a ton of his other big wins as a jockey. But I've never seen anything like it or felt the adrenaline and butterflies like this in my life.
It was electric because Zenyatta was America's horse and was retiring after this race. Everyone expected her to win and finish as one of the greatest horses ever. Fans were going so crazy. Wearing Zenyatta clothing and there were signs everywhere. Zenyatta was a Rock Star at this pony.
And then the "Classic" - Zenyatta and Blame put on an amazing duel match for a race that's up there with the best of them. Garrett upset Zenyatta at the wire and shocked the world. If you watch Garrett's ride and know anything about Horse Racing, this was an all time great ride by a stud of a jockey. Even more amazing is what people didn't know about Garrett this day. He took a bad spill the day before and was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. It was very questionable if he would even be cleared to race in The Breeders Cup. He was eventually cleared at the last moment, but shouldn't have been. He kept it a secret that he actually had a separated shoulder so he would still be able to ride his races in the Breeder's Cup. I remember right after the race going up to give Garrett a big hug and he scolded me "Don't touch me"! Lol He couldn't even lift his shoulder an inch. He was as tough as they come in any sport. I'm so proud of what he did that day and for his entire career for that matter.
This was an Awesome Day my friend. Thank's for this memories. You definitely "Go Go"
