Fernando Gamez, at 63 years of age, is one of the oldest racehorse jockeys in the United States. A native of Tucson, Arizona, he started riding as a licensed jockey when he was 17, while still a junior in high school. He has participated in races for four decades and achieved his first win in 1978. With close to 2000 wins, he has ridden at 62 different racetracks.
Growing up in a family deeply involved in horse racing, his four brothers and his father were all jockeys. “My mom was the owner, my dad was a trainer,” he explained. “We all grow from and win races for him back in Tucson, AZ.”
Staying in shape is essential for a jockey. “I love staying in shape,” said Fernando. “We have to jog and I go to the track where they have college or high school and run up the bleachers. I run up and walk down 10 times. I go to the gym, work out on the treadmill or bike, and then I go swim.”
Fernando recently participated in last weekend’s races and will be riding this weekend and the next. He enjoys the outdoors, traveling, meeting people, and racing in different states. He has been racing in Great Falls since 2005. “I like coming to Great Falls and I love this track,” he explained. “This track is nice. It is kept in good shape, and the people are great. I have only missed a few years since 2005.”
Over his career as a jockey since 1978, he has had 11,047 starts, 1336 wins, 1372 seconds, and 1364 thirds. Total earnings since the start for the horses has been $4,367,881, of which a jockey gets 10%. Despite encountering a few serious injuries, Fernando continues to pursue his passion for racing. He expressed his love for traveling and spending time with his many friends everywhere.
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
