On July 12, the Ragin' Cajun retired at 41, his later years marred by injuries dating back to the fateful Breeders' Cup Distaff on Oct. 27, 1990. He calls that Saturday his most stressful day.
Romero's mount, Go For Wand, was on the lead in deep Belmont Park stretch when her foreleg snapped. The filly went down and was destroyed. Romero broke his pelvis and some ribs.
He told me in the Calder jockey's room that he relieved stress by consulting the family psychologist -- his wife Crickett. "She's a strong-minded woman. We talk things out together. We work things out."
Romero never regained the form that propelled him to 4,276 victories, earning $75 million in purse money over a quarter century. Along the way he captured nine riding titles. He piloted six winners in a day on three occasions -- at Keeneland, Fair Grounds and Churchill Downs.
He's probably best remembered for the dramatic ride in the 1988 Breeders' Cup Distaff aboard the winning Personal Ensign, who retired unbeaten in 13 outings.
Romero retired on July 12 where his career began -- Evangeline Downs in Lafayette, La. He still holds the single-meeting record for victories there -- 136.
He rode Awesome Explosion, who ran sixth in the $30,000 Cradle of Jockeys Invitational. The winner was Oscar Magic, ridden by Marlon St. Julien -- Romero's first client in a new career: jockey agent.
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