Jockey David Lopez hopes to resume riding in March

ARCADIA, Calif. - Apprentice jockey David Lopez is unlikely to ride until early March while recovering from the effects of a spill on Feb. 12.

Lopez, 21, has not ridden since he was unseated when his mount, the 3-2 favorite Icona, collided with an injured horse in the final race on Feb. 12. Lopez was named on horses each racing day from Feb. 13 through Sunday, but was taken off his mounts by his agent, J.R. Pegram.

Pegram said on Saturday that Lopez has a target of March 3 to resume riding.

“That’s probably a good guess,” Pegram said. “He’ll take it day-by-day.”

On the evening of Feb. 12, Lopez underwent X-rays, which were negative. He was released from the hospital that day. Pegram said that Lopez continues to suffer from lingering effects of the injury, but did not disclose specific issues.

“It’s all still related,” he said.

Lopez had won 20 races at the current winter-spring meeting, ranking fifth in the standings through Saturday. He was as high as third on Feb. 7.