JP (Paul) Souter, who recorded a 928 career riding victory, has been named the 2025 winner of the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award.
The precious Gomez Award is given to regular riders born in Canada, born in Canada, raised by Canada or across the country for over five years of great contributions to thoroughbred races.
It is named in commemoration of one of the most talented and respected competitors in the sport. Cuban-born Gomez died of complications after a 1980 accident with three horses in the Canadian Oaks.
To commemorate his legacy and enduring contributions to sports, a life-size statue of Gomez, who called Toronto home, where he raised his family, watches Woodbine’s walking ring. The replica is presented to the recipient each year.
“I don’t know what to say,” Starr said. “I’m not a nervous person, but I’m going to get nervous (when I give a speech), certainly.
“I knew him for a while, but when I started at Gulfstream he was on a winter vacation and a bit of a ride. We became friends. We went home and we were on here.
Star’s connection to thoroughbred races was instantaneous. Standing by his father’s side, one visit to the track was all that was necessary for a big-eyed 5-year-old to dream of the future of racing.
However, his riding career was the last way he hoped to make his childhood dream come true.
Inducted in the Cue Canada Horse Racing Hall of Fame, Suter’s great friend and mentor, trainer Yony (John) Starr.
“I didn’t expect to ride,” Starr said. “I was just the hippie kid rubbing his horse and having fun at the time, and he grabbed me and said, ‘Now, I’m off to Florida.’ That’s when I started riding horses for Yonni on the farm. ”
Alongside the man called the Champion’s trainer, Suter praised former riders Vincent Blacciare Jr., John Charle Boyce, and another quartet of legendary jockey Jean Louis Levesque and trainer MacDonald (MAC) Benson’s Benson Hall of Fame inductees.
“The people I rode with were the coolest. Robin Platz is my favorite jockey and he is one of my favorite friends. He’s also a great friend.
“They were all superhorse people, superhorse people. I could continue.”
The star can include many names in his acceptance speech, but the famous race rider will not forget both the man and horse who helped deliver his outstanding career, the 1982 Queen’s Plate crown jewel.
Briartic’s son, Souter, navigated the Wood Bindert course at 2:04.6 to insist on Canada’s most coveted thoroughbred fixture. ?
“He went from wire to wire,” Starr said of his son, Jerry Lavigne trained by Brialtic Tabora. “It was incredible.”
For the stars, memories of that flag day remain as fresh as the moment they were made.
“I watch it once every five years on VHS,” he said. “My dad was at Orangeville Raceway because he didn’t like crowds, but my mother was there.
“It’s amazing how long ago it was. Honestly, it feels like it was just 10 years ago. I still have some great photos. One of the headlines after that was “Weasels and Squirrels.” (Trainer) Jerry Lavigne’s nickname was Weasel.
Chestnuts raised by EP Taylor recorded more than $380,000 in wallet revenue, recording a 30:8-5-3 record.
Joining Briartic’s son on Souter’s outstanding list are Bridle Path, Choral Group, L’Alezane, Hasty Rick, and his personal favorite La Voyageuse.
Tentam – Fanfreluche’s daughter, La Voyageuse, was immortalized as a member of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame class in 2009.
Conditioned by John Starr, Dark Bay exploded into the scene when he was greatly upset by a stable horse in the Oaks, Canada and a 1977 horse, Larezane.
Later that season, ascending La Vojagueus won Bison City interests on the way to lockdown the honours of the champion 3-year-old filly.
The winners of multiple stakes took a gate-to-wire victory with the boys in the nearby stakes near 1980, and the stars were at the helm to become Canada’s first Sovereign Awards Champion Sprinter.
“I hope there was a breeder’s cup at the time. I think she won one, so she went five-fifths of the grass for a mile and eighth.
After 25 outstanding years of wearing different silk, Suter decided it was time to write the next chapter of the race.
The dedicated jockey remains an active member of today’s game, passing on 54 years of expertise to the next generation as a jockey agent.
His best advice?
“Be happy, healthy and enjoy yourself.”
And he has it.
“A lot of good things don’t happen when you’re older,” said the laughing star. “Not many people understand how special this honor is. It’s a prestigious award, and I’m amazed by it. I’ve thought about it before.
The Avelino Gomez Memorial Award ceremony will be held at Woodbine on June 29th.
Stars include Ron Turcott, Johnny Longden, Sandy Holy, Don Macbeth, Chris Rogers, Jeff Fell, Lloyd Duffy, Hugo Ditzfach, Robin Platz, Larry Attard, Don Seymour, David Gull, Richard Grubb, Irwin Dryger, David Clarke, Jim McKnight, Chris Villeneuve, Sam Krass Nar, John LeBlanc Sr., George Haw-Son, Jack Lauzon, Robert King Jr., Stewart Elliott, Emile Ramsamy, Steve Bahen, Mickey Walls, Husband of Patrick, Quincy Welch, Gary Stalbaum, Gary Balian Callahan, Russell Bayes and Gunner Lindbergh as recipients of Gomez.
