Jockey Gomez Posts Bail After Arrest on Drug-Related Charges

In 1999, Garrett Gomez, riding such horses as Captain Steve and Budroyale, totaled $9 million in purses, ranking 12th in the country. The next two years he rode Skimming to successive victories in the Pacific Classic, the $1-million race at Del Mar.

But by last year, Gomez left the major league Southern California circuit to ride in New Mexico, telling friends he had to iron out personal problems, and some of those problems apparently resulted in his arrest last week in Temecula. After more than a week in custody, with drug-related charges pending, Gomez posted bail totaling $20,000 Friday and was released from the Southwest Detention Center pending an arraignment on Wednesday.

Gomez’s arrest, on July 3, is related to alleged possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia, plus being under the influence of drugs. A spokeswoman for the detention center said Friday that there is also an outstanding warrant against Gomez for possession of drugs in Los Angeles County.

Before Gomez left the Midwest in 1997 to ride in California, he had undergone rehabilitation for alcohol abuse. He won consecutive runnings of the Arkansas Derby with Concern in 1994 and Dazzling Falls in 1995.

Gomez, 31, has won 2,035 races and his horses have earned $60 million. He was the leading rider during the fall meet at Hollywood Park in 1998.