Churchill finds riders
Jockeys have been named to ride every horse entered on the
racing programs Wednesday and Thursday
at Churchill Downs. The track ejected 15 riders for the
remainder of the meet on Sunday when they refused to commit to
participate in those races.
A total of 121 horses were entered for Wednesday and 126 for
Thursday, both 10-race programs. Fifteen members of the local
jockey colony, including all-time Churchill win leader Pat Day,
Brice Blanc, Brian Hernandez, John McKee, Eddie Martin Jr. and
Larry Melancon, agreed to accept mounts and honor their riding
calls through the rest of the meet. Wednesday and Thursday’s
entries also contain several unfamiliar jockey names for fans who
only follow the Kentucky circuit.
The jockeys banned for the remaining 14 days of the 21-day
meet are Robby Albarado, Rafael Bejarano, Calvin Borel, Dean
Butler, Jesus Castanon, Joe Deegan, Mark Guidry, Jeff Johnston,
Willie Martinez, Orlando Mojica, Brian Peck, Craig Perret, Dean
Sarvis, Justin Shepherd and Eddie Zuniga.