Jockey Mike Luzzi

His Origins:

Mike Luzzi was born on October 27, 1969, in Wilmington, Delaware. He grew up near Delaware Park and started riding in Maryland in 1988. He won the Eclipse Award for top apprentice jockey in 1989 and won riding titles at Laurel Race Course (1990-91) and Timonium (1992). He moved to New York in 1994 and has been there since. He also won the Mike Venezia Award in 2001 from NYRA which is given to a jockey who exemplifies extraordinary sportsmanship and citizenship.

From a Racing Family:

Luzzi's grandfater was legendary Mid-Atlantic circuit trainer Buddy Raines and he had a major role in raising both him and his brother John Raines, also a jockey who rides on the Mid-Atlantic circuit. Luzzi said his meaningful win was his first grade 1 win when he rode Timely Warning to victory in the 1991 Brooklyn Handicap for his grandfather, who was 81 at the time.

Milestones:

Luzzi is currently at win #2993 and will hit the 3000 mark soon. He won his 2000th race at The Meadowlands on September 13, 2000. Another big achievment was winning five races in a single day at Pimlico Race Course on September 21, 1993.

Family Man:

Gomez is married to wife Tania and has two children named Lane and Larue. They reside in Floral Park, New York.