Jockey Gary Stevens is not ready to hang up his racing silks. Faced with hip replacement surgery last year, Stevens was uncertain of his future. But last week his doctor gave Stevens the OK to start training again in March.
Stevens, 53 years old, retired in 2005 and enjoyed a second career acting and as a sport commentator. He met his wife while filming the movie “Seabiscuit”. When he returned to racing he won the Preakness and Breeders’ Cup Classic that year. In 2014 knee surgery kept him off the track for months but he bounced back.
2016 was certainly a banner year for the Hall of Fame jockey. He won 40 races from 316 mounts and earned $5.9 million. In November he rode Beholder to a nose victory in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Santa Anita.
The jockey had been having hip problems and after several tests, surgery was eminent. Just before Christmas Stevens had surgery to replace his right hip. Last week’s statement indicated that his recovery has has been smooth with less discomfort than the knee replacement operation.
“The doctor is very happy; I don’t have to see him again for a year, “said Stevens. “He released me to start getting on horses the first of March and I’ll start riding races early March.”
Riders Up!
Photography Courtesy: Tom Mihalek STR
