Espinoza seeking early February return to riding

ARCADIA, Calif. - Jockey Victor Espinoza is targeting a return to riding in early February after recently receiving clearance from doctors to resume working horses.

Espinoza, who has not ridden since July because of a spinal injury, worked horses at Santa Anita on Saturday and Sunday. Espinoza sought additional opinions from doctors regarding his recovery in recent weeks.

“I’m good,” Espinoza said between workouts Sunday. “They all decided I’m good and ready to go back to work.”

Espinoza said he has not set a target date, but said his return to riding is not far away.

“I will need another week or two,” he said. “I have therapy a few more days.”

“I’ll take it day by day. I work out every day. It’s not the same as riding horses.”

Espinoza, 46, suffered a spinal injury in a morning workout on July 22 at Del Mar. He was hospitalized and underwent extensive therapy last summer and fall. On Jan. 5, Espinoza worked a horse at Santa Anita, but then sought additional medical opinions on his condition.

“It’s a relief to know the injury has healed,” he said.

Espinoza is best known as the regular rider of the two-time Horse of the Year California Chrome and Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. Outside of racing, Espinoza gained popularity for appearing on the television show “Dancing with the Stars” in 2015.