Dominguez Now Active in Advocacy, Assistance

Ramon Dominguez isn't riding in races anymore, but after avoiding the track for some time after a racing accident in January 2013, he is very active again in the sport he dominated for years.

He announced his retirement in June that year after brain rehabilitation therapy. Physicians advised him not to return to the saddle.

"There's no question I went through a tough period after I found out it simply wouldn't be safe for me to ride anymore," said Dominguez, who will be inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame Aug. 12 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. "It's not easy to go from the thrills and excitement of competing on a daily basis to not competing at all.

"For a time I had difficulty coming to terms with everything. I didn't want to be at the track or around horses, but my wife Sharon stepped in and encouraged me to get back to the track. She said that beside her and the kids, (racing) has been my life and something I truly loved. She said I wouldn't be happy until I got back around our friends and around the racing scene and she was right."

The Dominguez family lives in Floral Park, N.Y., very close to Belmont Park. Dominguez said he goes to the track often now and does work for the Race Track Chaplaincy of America.

"We all go through periods of adjustment in life and I'm no different," he said. "But with Sharon's help and the help of her and the boys, I think I've been able to turn the page and move on. Now we are looking to the future."

Dominguez said one of the pluses of being able to spend more time at home is the opportunity to be around his sons, Alex and Matthew, both of whom enjoy sports. "They're both good young athletes and like their old man, they love to compete," he said.

Though Thoroughbred racing participants are well aware of Dominguez's ability and talent, he quietly—actually anonymously—goes about assisting others on the backstretch.

"My mother and father and my grandparents taught me early on to work hard, strive to be the best at whatever you're doing, and to not get caught up in material things," Dominguez said. "My folks taught me that if my neighbor needed help I shouldn't hesitate to give that help, that it was just the right thing to do. They taught me there is no greater pleasure than the pleasure of helping others. It's the foundation they laid for me that I've tried to follow."

Dominguez, who will turn 40 in November, said he's involved in a venture mentoring people on marketing and networking. He intends to remain active in the racing industry as well.

"I'm happy being with Sharon and the kids and also enjoy my time at the track," Dominguez said. "There's lots of time to explore new and different things in life, things that may bring about exciting new paths."