Randy Romero aboard Rocket's Magic, with owner Bill Thomas, after qualifying for the All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs.

c. 1975 Ruidoso Downs

NEW ORLEANS, LA—AUGUST 1, 2015—The only jockey to have ever ridden in the All American Futurity(G1) and the Kentucky Derby(G1), Hall of Famer Randy Romero, has officially been listed as a candidate for a liver and kidney transplant this past week.

Romero, who has been battling health issues stemming from his race-riding days, underwent tests at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans to determine whether he was a candidate for transplants. Once performed, the 11-hour surgery will also include removing a small cancerous growth in his small intestine.

In 1975, the 16-year old Randy Romero made the journey from his hometown of Erath, Louisiana to ride the fastest qualifier Rocket’s Magic in the 1975 All American Futurity(G1). Bugs Alive In 75 would win the race, and Romero would have to settle for a third-place for his late father and trainer Lloyd Romero. Soon thereafter, Romero would switch his career solely to thoroughbreds.

Romero retired in 1999 following a 23-year career with 4,294 victories, and with career earnings of over $75 million. In 2010, Romero was inducted into the National Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York.

One of Romero’s most famous mounts was the undefeated champion Personal Ensign, who mounted a legendary stretch drive to overtake Kentucky Derby winner Winning Colors in the final strides to win the 1988 Breeder’s Cup Distaff(G1). His career also saw tragedy, as he was aboard champion Go For Wand in the stretch of the 1990 Breeder’s Cup Distaff(G1) prior to her breaking her left front ankle on her way to victory. Go For Wand is buried in the infield of the historic Saratoga Racecourse in New York.

Romero’s career as a jockey has also been known for his ability to overcome major injuries. In his career, Romero has estimated that he has had over 35 surgeries and more than two dozen bone breaks. He contributes his struggles and methods in order to meet his race riding weight requirements, as the cause of the his kidney failure. He has endured dialysis procedures, three times a week, for the last 15 years.

In 1983, he was involved in a fire from the result of a hot-box accident in the jocks room at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. His body was over 40% burned from the incident, and his contracted Hepatitis C from the blood transfusions used to save his life from the accident.