Jockey Miguel Mena Voted First Winner Of Randy Romero ‘Pure Courage’ Award

Jockey Miguel Mena has been chosen as the recipient of the 1st Randy Romero “Pure Courage” Award. In a very close vote, by the “Pure Courage” partners, Miguel was voted the winner over Timmy Thornton, Victor Espinoza and Kendrick Carmouche.

Miguel was severely injured on March 18, 2018 at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans, where he suffered multiple fractures in his right heel and ankle. At the time of the spill, he was the leading rider at that meet, but wound up finishing fifth in the standings.

Miguel returned to the saddle in late 2018, and almost immediately returned to the winner’s circle, and a very productive riding career. Miguel is a crowd favorite, and in great demand at the current Fair Grounds racing season.

It should be added that Miguel was voted as the co-winner of the Comeback Jockey of the Year, along with “Pure Courage” finalist, Kendrick Carmouche.

All of the nominees were very deserving of the award, but in the end, Miguel Mena has been chosen to receive the award. The specially designed “Pure Courage” Award will be presented to Miguel between races on the Saturday, March 21st, Louisiana Derby racing program.

The trophy is being designed by Steve Gibson, of Gibson Artworks, and the presentation will be made by Dan Schneider, his wife Annie, and their daughter Kristi in the Fair Grounds winner’s circle. The Schneiders are the focus of the new Netflix highly-acclaimed documentary, The Pharmacist.

The Schneider’s were chosen to make this special presentation because of their display of “Pure Courage”, which is on display in every second of the documentary.