For jockey Gaddiel Martinez, his first full season here at Tampa Bay Downs has been an enjoyable experience. The 27 year-old native of Puerto Rico is just outside of the top ten in the standings with 14 wins. But four of those wins came in the last two weeks, enough to earn him the Martin’s Italian Restaurant Jockey of the month award.
“I’m really having fun at Tampa this season,” said Martinez. “It’s my first full season here and I’m happy with the business we’re building as the meet has gone on.”
Martinez began his career in 2019 at Camarero Race Course in Puerto Rico before coming to Gulfstream Park that summer. The last several years he’s been a regular near the top of the standings at Presque Isle Downs in Pennsylvania. He’s been third in the standings the last four seasons up there, each time just behind perennial leaders Pablo Morales and Antonio Gallardo. Morales announced his retirement from riding just a few weeks ago after winning his last race at Tampa Bay Downs. Martinez plans once again to head to Presque Isle at the conclusion of racing at Tampa Bay Downs.
Tampa Bay Downs will run thru May 3rd with a Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday schedule. We are however off of racing for the Easter holiday on Sunday April 5th.
