Jockey Russell back from injury

Sheldon Russell won two races at Laurel Park last weekend while accepting his first mounts since being injured in a spill on the Pimlico turf course April 25.

Russell had three mounts Friday and won a turf maiden race in his final ride of the day. He won again Sunday and in all went 2 for 13 over the weekend. His winners were trained by Niall Saville and Wayne Potts. They paid $20 and $10.80.

Russell was the leading rider at the Laurel Park winter meet that concluded March 29. He won the 1,000th race of his career March 7.

Russell went down hard in the April spill, breaking ribs and puncturing a lung.

“It’s been a long three months,” Russell said. “I tried to come back after two months, but I needed a little more time, and I’m glad I waited. I’ve been working hard in the morning. Physically, I feel great, and I look forward to finishing the meet on a good note.”