After a slow winter, Espinoza ready to put the pedal to the metal

ARCADIA, Calif. – Jockey Victor Espinoza did not get far on the Santa Anita apron on Sunday morning without stopping to visit with numerous trainers, a few owners and basically anyone else who crossed his path.

The grandstand at Santa Anita may cover the length of the stretch, but Espinoza, dressed in a riding helmet, safety vest and blue jeans, was determined to work the room. He has some catching up to do.

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Best known as the regular rider of Horses of the Year American Pharoah and California Chrome, Espinoza is in the midst of his quietest non-injury season. He has two wins this year, and has not ridden since March 19.

“I came back to say hi,” Espinoza said. “I want to get back into action. Sometimes, we need to take a little break.”

Espinoza spent part of the winter in Mexico City, visiting his 90-year-old mother, who was briefly hospitalized. Espinoza said she has since returned home.

“She’s doing much better,” he said.

Because of pandemic travel restrictions, Espinoza was forced to quarantine when he returned to California. He spent some time at his home in Del Mar, but said he has recently returned to his home in Sierra Madre, very close to Santa Anita.

“I need to be closer to the track,” he said.

Espinoza, 48, has won more than 3,400 races in North America and had a career-best season in 2015 when his mounts earned more than $15.6 million. The roster that year was led by American Pharoah, the Triple Crown winner and Horse of the Year.

In the summer of 2018, Espinoza sustained spinal injuries when he was unseated during a workout at Del Mar. In the months that followed, Espinoza underwent physical therapy and did not return to riding until early 2019.

Espinoza won five graded stakes in 2019, and 10 last year, including the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante on Princess Noor in September. At Los Alamitos in December, Princess Noor was cruising on the lead in the Grade 1 Starlet Stakes when she was injured. Espinoza quickly and safely pulled her up.

So far this year, Espinoza has had only 19 mounts. Last weekend, he scotched a rumor that he is ready to retire.

“Not yet,” he said with a laugh. “I’m pretty healthy right now.”

Espinoza could ride as early as Saturday when racing resumes at Santa Anita. Espinoza said he plans to resume working closely with trainer John Sadler. Since his 2019 return, Espinoza has won stakes for Sadler on Cistron and Flagstaff.

“John and I have had good success in the past,” Espinoza said.

Espinoza is attempting to revive his career at a time when younger riders such as Abel Cedillo, Juan Hernandez, and Umberto Rispoli have taken prominent roles in the standings along with runaway leader Flavien Prat. A few of those riders are expected to travel to ride the Kentucky Derby week programs at Churchill Downs on April 30 and May 1, which could give Espinoza a chance to grab mounts at Santa Anita.

“I’ve been around so long,” he said. “I know how this works. I have to be patient and go forward.”