We lost Orlando Unexpectedly at the Age of 43

Orlando Lino Garrido of New River, Arizona, died unexpectedly at the age of 43, on Tuesday, January 15, 2008. Orlando was born on September 23, 1964, in Saint Joseph, Missouri to Orlando Luis Garrido & his wife, Lillie (Becerril). He grew up in Huntington Beach, California and graduated from Marina High School – Class of ‘82. At that time, Orlando followed his passion for horses and began what would be a successful career in horse racing for over 14 years as a jockey celebrating his first of many wins at Longacres, Washington on “Judge Me Not”. After retiring from racing and up until his death, he worked with Jorge Estrada II in several business ventures. Jorge was also a retired jockey, lifetime friend, and “brother”. Orlando maintained his love of horses by playing polo with Jorge on their team, Polo Azteca with the North Scottsdale Polo Club, to which he held the position as Club Manager. One of his greatest accomplishments included raising his son, Orly,11. He is also survived by his parents, his older sister Teresa (Garrido) and her husband Luis Santos, their children, Luis O., Nicole, Sam, and Joel; his younger sister, Lillie (Garrido) & her husband Rey Butcher, their children, Max, Ben, and Sam. Orlando was loved by many aunts, uncles, and cousins from California, Texas, Florida, and Cuba. He is preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents. Orlando was a good son, a dedicated father, the best brother two sisters could ever have wanted and a loyal friend. He celebrated life each and every day. He was a positive influence on those around him. His beautiful smile, sharp sense of humor, and kindness will be forever in our hearts.

Orlando's Comments on Seabiscuit

I was searching the internet to find some statistics on Orlando's career and ran into his comments to the author of Seabiscuit. Here is what he said back in 2002.... Laura, A good friend of mine handed me your book a couple of days ago and said " this woman knows what shes talking about!" I was a Jockey for fourteen years and recognized many names mentioned in your book. I was surprised to read that many of the stories in your book had been told to me by a great friend and x jockey named Gene Pederson AKA (Lefty Gene). The stories were told to me in 1988 while I was living with Gene whom was the jockey room custodian. Most of the colorful stories were told while Stake pictures from the same colorful era you wrote about hung in Gene's living room. I wish you would have had the opportunity to speak to Lefty, Now lovingly known by all northern California Jockeys as Pops. He has long since retired from all work and although has many health problems has a recolection of the past that puts you into that place long forgotten by most. I am enclosing my e-mail address and hope that you will contact me. I would love to get you two together and am quite certain you will enjoy speaking with Gene. He was great friends with Johny Longdon, George Wolf And to many others to mention. If I can be of any assistance in the future please do not hesitate to contact me. I enjoyed your book immensely. Regards Orlando L. Garrido <orlandogarrido@uswest.com> New River, AZ USA - Friday, July 05, 2002 at 12:14:57 (EDT)

Orlando's Memorial Service

A memorial service was held at the Garrido Ranch on Saturday, January 19, 2008 where memories of Orlando were shared by his friends and family. The service was held in Orlando's arena surrounded by his horses, fellow jockeys, polo team and family. It was decorated with 43 yellow and red balloons that were released into the sky. Each balloon represented a year of Orlando's life and the colors represented his Polo team -- Polo Azteca which he named as a part of the North Scottsdale Polo Club. The service began with a moment of silence as his horse Oakie and his son's horse Peanut entered the arena. Oakie was saddled up and Orlando's boots were in the stirrups backwards in honor of his horsemanship (shown in the photo to the right)---Memories were shared and everyone remembered Orlando as he would have wished. He was present in spirit and I know I personally could feel his love surrounding us. Their was a sense of calmness in the arena. It was a beautiful service. Our childhood friend Sandra, took some nice photos at the memorial. To view them click on http://gallery.mac.com/manriq77#100008