Jockey Lebron rests after spill, plans Wednesday return

OLDSMAR, Fla. – Jockey Victor Lebron was resting at home Sunday, one day after going down in a scary spill when his mount, Tether to Reality, crashed into the portable rail while on the lead in a turf race at Tampa Bay Downs.

Lebron took off his mounts Sunday, but agent Phil Wasiluk said the jockey plans to ride his four mounts on Wednesday’s nine-race card.

Tether to Reality sustained a “couple scratches” but was otherwise fine Sunday, according to trainer Joan Scott.

Lebron was able to walk off the turf course, but was taken to the hospital Saturday complaining of dizziness and back pain. Wasiluk said the jockey was not diagnosed with a concussion and appears to have only pulled a muscle in his back.

“He’s fine,” Wasiluk said. “He’s just a little sore.”

Wasiluk said that Lebron thought his horse was going to win before Tether to Reality drifted slightly inward in midstretch, brushed up against the rail, appeared to get scared, and then crashed into the rail. Tether to Reality, a half-brother to 2016 Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Tourist, was favored at 2-1 in the first-level, $20,000 allowance route, which was won by Vakeesh.

Tether to Reality, a 5-year-old Harlan’s Holiday gelding, was making his turf debut and the second start of his career. He won his debut, a $20,000 maiden special weight sprint on the main track here in January, for owners Klaravich Stables and Nick de Meric.

Lebron, 32, has eight wins from 115 mounts (7 percent) at the meet. For his career, he has 1,530 wins from 10,287 mounts (15 percent).