Ramon Dominguez Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Ramon Dominguez is a legendary jockey whose career-defining wins and Hall of Fame status established him as one of American thoroughbred racing’s most decorated riders.

Introduction

Ramon Dominguez, born on November 24, 1976, carved a remarkable path from his native Caracas, Venezuela, to the pinnacle of U.S. horse-racing. Known for his cool under-pressure riding style, Dominguez earned multiple Eclipse Awards and led his field in wins and earnings. His estimated net worth sits at around $4 million according to one thoroughbred-racing wealth estimate.Dominguez is married to Sharon Dominguez, with whom he shares a life rooted in the sport he dominated.

Quick Facts

From Caracas to the Winner’s Circle

Growing up in Caracas, Dominguez’s early fascination with horses set the tone for his future. He began riding show jumpers as a teen and then transitioned to flat-track thoroughbred racing in Venezuela. His move to the U.S. in 1996 opened doors at Florida’s Hialeah Park, followed by dominance in the Mid-Atlantic circuits. 
His rise was swift: by 2001 he was the nation’s leading jockey by wins, repeating that feat in 2003. 
Defining moments in Ramon Dominguez’s journey include:

• Transitioning from show jumping in Venezuela to flat racing in the U.S.

• Becoming North America’s winningest jockey in 2001 and 2003.

• Setting the single-season earnings record for jockeys ($25 m+) in 2012 at NYRA tracks. 

• Suffering a career-ending traumatic brain injury in January 2013, then pivoting to advocacy and industry support. 

His story blends raw talent, strategic relocation, and a refusal to be defined by setbacks.

Main Sources of Wealth

The core pillars of Ramon Dominguez’s wealth include:

• Race-meet earnings & jockey purses: Dominating the New York circuit, Dominguez’s mounts earned over $191 million during his U.S. career. 

• Bonuses & wins from elite stakes races: He rode multiple Grade 1 winners and took home top-tier bonuses.

• Post-riding ventures and speaking/consulting roles: After retirement, Dominguez remained connected through safety advocacy, riding-crop innovation (“360 Gentle Touch” crop) and the New York Track Chaplaincy program. 

Relationships & Family Life

Dominguez met Sharon while she worked as an exercise rider and he was forging his U.S. career at Delaware Park. She recalls first spotting him early in the morning at the barn.  They married (marriage date publicly noted as 2001) and have two sons, Alex and Matthew. 
Key insights into Ramon Dominguez’s relationships & personal life:

• Sharon Dominguez grew up around horses; her family trained standardbreds in Delaware. 

• Dominguez has publicly credited Sharon with helping him through his post-injury adjustment and return to the racing world in a different role. 

• The family resides in Saratoga Springs, New York, which became a second home during Dominguez’s NYRA-dominated years. 

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Ramon Dominguez leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Participation in endurance running events—post-retirement he shifted focus to his own physical fitness and community races. 

• Advocacy for track-worker welfare through the New York Track Chaplaincy and other charitable endeavours. 

• Innovation in racing equipment: he developed the “360 Gentle Touch” crop to improve riding ergonomics.

• Family-centered life in Saratoga Springs, where the sons often attend races and his wife remains involved in equestrian activities.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Estimating net worth for retired athletes is always approximate, and for Dominguez the numbers vary across sources. One widely-cited figure is approximately $4 million.  Here’s a breakdown based on publicly available data:

While some sites offer inflated estimates (one site listed ~$40 million) the $4 million figure aligns more closely with documented purse earnings and known public ventures. His career-ending injury limited further accumulation from riding earnings, but his legacy and ongoing involvement keep his profile high.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Dominguez is widely regarded as not just a high-achieving jockey but also a figure of integrity and humility. According to the National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame, he exhibited “talented, intelligent, determined and poised” characteristics throughout his career. 
In industry commentary, he is praised for his “patience and skill” in the saddle and for maintaining composure under pressure. 
Since retiring, his influence extends through mentorship and advocacy, particularly in jockey safety and back-stretch community welfare. In doing so, he has converted his personal setback into an avenue for broader positive impact.

Conclusion

Ramon Dominguez’s story is one of bold transitions—from Venezuela to the U.S., from show jumper to triple-Eclipse-Award-winning jockey. He celebrated a birthday on November 24 each year, and his age/birthdate of November 24, 1976 marks the beginning of a life that merged talent and tenacity. His estimated net worth of roughly $4 million reflects both the market realities of the sport and a career slightly curtailed by injury. His relationships, particularly his marriage to Sharon, underscore a foundation of support behind the public victories.
Ultimately, Dominguez’s legacy isn’t just in wins or earnings—it’s in the respect he earned and the positive change he continues to foster in the sport he once ruled.