Veteran jockey Willie Martinez will retire from riding this month and will begin work as a regional manager for the Jockeys' Guild effective Nov. 1. He made the announcement Oct. 23 from his regular base at Presque Isle Downs during an in-house television interview.
Martinez thanked those at Presque Isle Downs for their support, mentioning track executives, racing officials, valets, and his fellow riders, "but most important to the horses that got us here," he said.
"To the horsemen and trainers and owners that contribute to the beautiful game to keep us alive: keep the oxygen going. Don't give up. Don't ever give up."
He said he wants to spend more time with his family, mentioning his son, Mateo.
Martinez, known as "Chilly Willie," retires with at least 3,721 victories from 26,989 Thoroughbred current mounts, who made $86.7 million. The 54-year-old Puerto Rico native began riding in 1989.
He won 38 graded stakes races, highlighted by victories in the 2006 Donn Handicap (G1) at Gulfstream Park on Brass Hat, the 2009 Breeders' Futurity (G1) at Keeneland on Noble's Promise, and the 2012 Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) on Trinniberg at Santa Anita Park. He rode in Kentucky for an extended period, gaining five mounts in the Kentucky Derby, with his best finish a fifth on Noble's Promise in 2010.
"I exceeded my expectations and beyond," the affable rider said.
He has one more ride scheduled Oct. 25 at Mahoning Valley Race Course aboard Maccabee Farm's Who Dey in the $100,000 Best of Ohio Endurance Stakes for Tommy Drury.
