Gary Stevens to book mounts for Drayden Van Dyke

ARCADIA, Calif. -- Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens on Friday said he has been hired by Drayden Van Dyke to be his new agent, beginning with the upcoming condition book at Santa Anita commencing with the races of Feb. 26.

Van Dyke was left as the odd man out earlier in the week when his agent, Brad Pegram, was hired by Flavien Prat. Agents are allowed to represent a maximum of two jockeys. Pegram also works for Mike Smith, so he let Van Dyke go.

But less than 48 hours later, Van Dyke teamed up with Stevens.

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"Super, super excited," said Stevens, who also works regularly as an analyst for Fox Sports's racing telecasts. "I feel like I've got a really good rider to work with. Drayden has always been like another son, or a little brother, to me."

Van Dyke entered Friday's races tied for 11th in the jockey standings, with five wins from 49 mounts.