Garrett Gomez Fires Agent Jim Pegram

(from Santa Anita notes)
Garrett Gomez and agent Jim Pegram have parted company, the agent revealed Friday morning.

"I got fired last night," said Pegram, who booked business for Gomez for the past 18 months. "I was shocked and hurt. That would be the best way to express my feelings. I don't have a new rider in mind. I'm just going to sort things out right now."

The 34-year-old Gomez, a native of Tucson, was second in the Santa Anita standings through Thursday with 36 wins.

Gomez was named winner of the Shoemaker Award as outstanding rider on last year's Breeders' Cup program when he won the NetJets Mile (gr. IT) aboard Artie Schiller and the Bessemer Trust Juvenile (gr. I) on Stevie Wonderboy. He is expected to be represented by Bob Meldahl. Gomez said Friday that a final decision has not been made. Meldahl currently is agent for Corey Nakatani.