Victor Carrasco makes riding return today
Victor Carrasco. Photo by The Racing Biz.
From a Maryland Jockey Club release
Jockey Victor Carrasco, out of action since Aug. 7 with an injury to his right foot, will return to ride at Laurel Park this weekend.
Tom Stift, Carrasco’s agent, said the 24-year-old rider received medical clearance to return following a doctor’s appointment on Monday and was back exercising horses Tuesday morning.
Carrasco had been wearing an orthopedic boot to protect his foot since the injury. He is named in eight of 11 races on Saturday’s program including both features, a $42,000 allowance for females 3 and up going 5 ½ furlongs on the Exceller Turf Course in Race 8, and a $45,000 optional claiming allowance at 1 1/16 miles on the Bowl Game Turf Course for females 3 and up.
“He’s good,” Stift said. “He’s running around like a kid again.”
The Eclipse Award-winning apprentice of 2013, Carrasco was hurt when his mount, 2-year-old colt O Dionysus making his first career start for trainer Gary Capuano, dumped him and stepped on his foot as the horses were heading out to the track from the paddock for the 5 ½-furlong maiden race.
O Dionysus, a bay son of Bodemeister, went on to win his debut on Maryland Pride Day Aug. 20 and finished second in a six-furlong optional claiming allowance Sept. 10 on the Laurel Turf Festival program, both under Jevian Toledo.
“One of the first things that we did was take donuts to Gary Capuano’s barn,” Stift said. “Victor really liked the horse. He had been getting on him for quite a while and he really liked him. It’s just one of those things that happens.”
Carrasco’s first ride Saturday will be for the Capuano-trained maiden Lucky in Malibu in Race 3, also at 5 ½ furlongs on the Bowl Game course.
“He probably could have come back a week earlier but the doctor was out of the country and he couldn’t see him until Monday,” Stift said. “He’s all set. He’s been getting on horses and he feels good.”
At the time of his injury, Carrasco was leading the summer meet jockey standings in wins and purse earnings and wound up third with 19 victories and a bankroll of $565,895. Earlier this year he finished second to Trevor McCarthy at Laurel’s winter-spring meet and the Preakness Meet at Pimlico.
