Jerkens begins his rehabilitation

Hall of Fame trainer Allen Jerkens has been moved from Long Island Jewish Hospital to a nearby rehabilitation center as he continues his recovery from heart surgery.

According to his wife Elisabeth, Allen Jerkens was moved from the hospital to the Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation Center on Thursday. Both facilities are in New Hyde Park, N.Y. On Oct. 20, Jerkens underwent heart surgery to repair two valves. On Oct. 28, he had a pacemaker inserted into his chest.

"He's working really hard, he likes to do rehab," Elisabeth Jerkens said Saturday in Aqueduct's paddock. "He's doing really well."

Elisabeth Jerkens expects her husband to be in rehab for a week to 10 days. She said that Allen, 79, would not be able to ride a pony for six to eight weeks, but she is hopeful that he could return to the barn when the stable moves to Gulfstream Park next month.

"Hopefully, we'll be able to go to Florida early this year," she said. "We always say we're going to go to Florida early, but we've never made it."

Allen Jerkens ranks 12th all-time in wins and purse money earned.