Bejarano looks to return for start of Del Mar meet

ARCADIA, Calif. – Jockey Rafael Bejarano began therapy on his injured shoulder Wednesday and intends to resume riding after a two-month absence on opening day at Del Mar, July 17.

Bejarano’s agent, Joe Ferrer, said Wednesday the jockey received doctor’s clearance Tuesday to begin a 10-day therapy session. Ferrer said Bejarano likely will begin exercising horses early the week of July 8 and has targeted Del Mar for his comeback.

“He will ride on opening day,” Ferrer said.

Bejarano was the runaway winner of the riding title at the Santa Anita winter-spring meeting and was the leading rider as of May 10, when he injured his collarbone, shoulder blade, and a rib in a spill on the hillside turf course.

The 32-year-old rider has won a total of 18 riding titles at Del Mar, Hollywood Park, and Santa Anita since late 2007.