Jockey Garrett Gomez, 44, Found Dead Of Drug Overdose

Garrett Gomez, an award-winning jockey who won 13 Breeders’ Cup races, died Wednesday from an apparent drug overdose.

Jockey Garrett Gomez, 44, Found Dead Of Drug Overdose

The Daily Racing Forum, citing a source close to Gomez, reported that the 44-year-old’s death was the result of a drug overdose.

Gomez– who officially retired from racing in June 2015, though stopped racing in 2013– was discovered at a casino hotel near Tucson, Arizona.

The jockey had a history of substance abuse and also battled alcoholism throughout his career. He co-wrote a book, The Garret Gomez Story: A Jockey’s Journey Through Addiction and Salvation which detailed his drug and alcohol addiction.

In the summer of 2013, Gomez checked into rehab after 10 years of sobriety. His race at Keeneland in October of that year ended up being the last of his career.

Gomez won 3,769 races (88th all-time) in his career and was a two-time recipient of the Eclipse Award, given annually to horse-racing’s top jockey. He was also a four-time winner of the Bill Shoemaker award for outstanding performance by a jockey at the Breeders’ Cup.

Gomez began his career in New Mexico in 1988 and mainly rode in the Northwest–at tracks like Oaklawn Park and Arlington Park– before moving to California, where his career rose, fell, and rose again.

His last moment in the national spotlight was in 2010, when he rode Blame to victory over the undefeated and wildly popular mare Zenyatta in the Breeder’s Cup Classic.

Gomez never managed to win the Kentucky Derby. His best finish in the Derby was second in 2009 aboard Pioneer of The Nile, sire of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.

His horses won more than $205 million.

He is survived by four children from his two marriages.

LEXINGTON, KY – APRIL 13: Garrett Gomez rides Palace Malice #5 during the 89th Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keenland Race Course on April 13, 2013 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)