Dominguez to Receive Mike Venezia Award
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Ramon Dominguez, a three-time winner of the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey, will be presented with the Mike Venezia Memorial Award Aug. 25 at Saratoga Race Course.
The Venezia Award was created in 1989 and Dominguez will be its first winner since 2006. Dominguez, who sustained a career-ending injury in a spill in January at Aqueduct Racetrack, announced his retirement in June.
Dominguez was the leading rider on The New York circuit from 2009-12 and won 21 meet titles in the state. He was twice leading rider at Saratoga, taking his first Spa title in 2009 and setting a single-season record for wins last year with 68.
The Venezia Award is given to jockeys who exemplify extraordinary sportsmanship and citizenship. It is named in honor of the well-respected jockey who died as the result of injuries he suffered in a spill in 1988 at Belmont Park.
During a special ceremony in the winner's circle following the fourth race, Dominguez also will receive his 2012 Eclipse Award and The New York Racing Association will show a video tribute to the jockey. Richard Migliore, who won the 2003 Venezia Award, will host the ceremony.