The Sam Thompson Memorial Foundation is excited to launch this online stallion service auction with all money going directly to Cruz Mendez to help offset expenses after his accident. Cruz will need money after leaving the hospital and rehab to help establish a new normal and move his life forward.

Stallion Service Auction benefiting Cruz Mendez
Begins on on February 15 at 11:30am PST
and ends on February 19th at 6pm PST

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CRUZ MENDEZ

Longtime Quarter Horse jockey Cruz Mendez, 40, underwent spinal surgery after suffering a spinal cord injury in a spill at Los Alamitos on Saturday, January 24, 2026 according to the Daily Racing Form.

The Quarter Horse jockey was aboard the 3-year-old filly Imm Relentless in the fifth race when she “lost action” and fell, the Equibase chart reports.

Mendez was taken to Long Beach Memorial Hospital after the incident and underwent surgery on Sunday.

The veteran jockey has recorded 1,184 victories in Quarter Horse races since his career began in 2010, according to Equibase, including 17 Grade 1 wins.

Mendez has won five Quarter Horse riding titles at Los Alamitos, most recently in 2023. Cruz Mendez was the 2024 recipient of the Sam Thompson memorial jockey award.

StallioneSearch Article Here

UPDATE

Cruz Mendez will be transferred to the Craig Institute in Colorado for rehabilitation in the near future. He currently has no feeling in his legs, though doctors are hopeful—based on recent tests—that sensation may return over time.
All funds raised will go toward helping him adapt to his new way of life.

The Sam Thompson Foundation has a set a goal to raise as much as they can to help Cruz Mendez.

100% of your donations will GO DIRECTLY to Cruz Mendez to help with his expenses. 

Donate to Cruz Mendez
DONATE HERE