Apprentice Kennedy mulls quitting due to weight problems

ARCADIA, Calif. – Apprentice jockey Ty Kennedy moved from California to Oklahoma last month and said on Wednesday that he is evaluating whether to continue his riding career.

Kennedy, 20, said he has fought weight issues in recent months.

“I kept getting bigger,” he said. “I grew an inch and put on some weight. I’ve come home to rest up. I’m waiting to see what will happen.”

Kennedy said he is galloping horses at Will Rogers Downs, with the hope that he can resume riding this spring at Prairie Meadows in Altoona, Iowa.

“Right now, my plan is to start dieting,” he said. “If I get my weight down, I’ll go to Iowa.”

Kennedy said if the weight-loss plan is unsuccessful, he might turn to training. If he does return to riding, Kennedy said he has not ruled out a return to California.

Kennedy has won 33 Thoroughbred races but has not ridden since Jan. 10 at Santa Anita. His most recent win was at Santa Anita on Jan. 3.