Gomez retiring as outrider

Among a group of young outriders was a man who has been working the Chariot Races longer than the other four riders have been living.

Larry Gomez has been working the Chariot Races for 33 years. He started when he was 33, and has missed only one race and that is when his brother-in-law died.

Being an outrider is not an easy job. They sit in the wind, dust beating their faces, waiting for the next race.

They don’t get to enjoy the hoopla going on around the track, drink a few brews, or visit with their friends.

Their job is a serious one. They have to stop more than two tons of thundering hoove...