Desormeaux set to return Sunday

ARCADIA, Calif. – Jockey Kent Desormeaux, who has not ridden since Sept. 28 after being kicked in the chest during a post parade, is aiming for a comeback Sunday at Santa Anita.

Desormeaux, 44, suffered a collapsed lung and fractured ribs on his left side when he was kicked after being unseated from his mount in a post parade. Desormeaux was hospitalized for two days because of his injuries.

On Wednesday, Desormeaux said he received doctor’s clearance Tuesday to resume exercising horses for his comeback.

“We’re all good to go,” he said.

Desormeaux spent part of last week visiting family in his native Louisiana and said that during the trip, he noticed improvement in his condition.

By returning Sunday, Desormeaux will have nearly a week to ride before the Breeders’ Cup races on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.

On Sept. 28, Desormeaux was unseated from the first-time starter She’s a Big Winner when the field was being paraded in front of the stands. She’s a Big Winner reared and fell, unseating Desormeaux. After the rider and filly scrambled to their feet at about the same time, Desormeaux ran several yards to grabs She’s a Big Winner’s reins. As Desormeaux was adjacent to She’s a Big Winner, the filly struck him forcefully on the left side of his chest with her right hind leg.