Jockey Cohen's career catches second wind

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – David Cohen’s comeback from a layoff of more than three years has been exceptional. Based at Oaklawn Park for the first time, Cohen is tied atop the standings after a week of racing and has had more mounts than any of his peers in a deep jockeys’ room.

Cohen had won four races from 27 mounts through Friday, placing him in a five-way tie with Gary Stevens, Jon Court, David Cabrera, and C.J. McMahon. His mounts have earned $163,548, and he has several strong chances on the card Sunday. Racing was canceled Thursday and Friday.

“I’m averaging seven or eight mounts a day, and all of them are pretty live,” Cohen, 33, said Thursday. “If someone said going into the meet that after the first week I’d be tied for leading rider, have three seconds, two thirds, and ridden 27 races – to have that support – I’d be tickled to death. I’m very fortunate to have that type of support at any time, especially coming off such a lengthy layoff.”

Prior to his return in November, Cohen had last rode Aug. 11, 2014, at Gulfstream. He was initially sidelined in February 2014, when he was kicked in the leg by a horse in the paddock at Aqueduct, and while those injuries healed, family matters delayed his return to the saddle.

“My father passed away, then shortly after that my sister passed away,” Cohen said. “I took a little extra time. My family is on the West Coast, and riding on the East Coast, I never had a chance to go back and see everybody. I took that opportunity to spend time with them – soaked in it – because I knew once I did return to racing, it would be hard work and focus. I definitely enjoyed it – some nice Christmases, Hanukkahs, and Thanksgivings.”

Cohen started getting on horses for a host of trainers during the fall meet at Churchill Downs, and had his first mount back Nov. 30 at Fair Grounds. His first win came with his sixth mount back, Hey Bro, on Dec. 20 at Delta Downs.

“It felt great,” Cohen said. “After being out of the loop for so long, it definitely felt very good to be in the winner’s circle, just to have the opportunity and to have some good support behind me with the owners and trainers.”

Cohen had a riding double at Oaklawn on Jan. 13 for trainer Robertino Diodoro, who also put Cohen on Hey Bro. Cohen also has won at Oaklawn for trainer Ron Moquett and on Sunday has mounts for Diodoro, Steve Hobby, Randy Matthews, and Brian Williamson.

Cohen also has been working with Brad Cox, D. Wayne Lukas, Ken McPeek, and Randy Morse.

It was for McPeek that Cohen won the 2012 Travers aboard Golden Ticket. Cohen also won the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen in 2006 with Proud Tower Too. Cohen’s first win came in 2004 at Del Mar, and he has won 1,242 races through Friday, with mount earnings of $43 million, according to statistics from Daily Racing Form.

Agent Bill Castle has come in from New York to represent Cohen.