Cox names Concepcion on Oaklawn mount

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Brad Cox and Axel Concepcion, who are finalists for Eclipse Awards, are scheduled to team together Sunday at Oaklawn Park. Cox has named the rider on Sharp Flame in the second race. Concepcion is based at Turfway Park, which is not racing on Sunday.

“He’s willing to get in a car, get on an airplane, and ride races,” said Cox. “Some of the big-time riders back East said he looks like a talented rider, had high praise for him. I think he has a big career ahead of him.”

Concepcion led all apprentice jockeys in North America in wins and earnings last year to be named an Eclipse Awards finalist. His final day with his apprentice allowance is scheduled for Friday at Turfway, according to agent Bryson Cox, the son of Brad Cox who began representing Concepcion in October. Concepcion won the first race of his career Jan. 19, 2023, at Fair Grounds. Cox led all trainers in North America in earnings last year to be named an Eclipse Awards finalist.

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◗ Oaklawn-based apprentice Joseph Bealmear won the first race of his career Dec. 30.

“Hopefully, everything goes well here and kind of piggyback on to Kentucky,” agent and retired jockey Robby Albarado told Oaklawn media. “That’s the hope. I think he’s going to be that kind of rider.”

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