Jockey Sheldon Russell's comeback pushed back to late July

Jockey Sheldon Russell didn't get the good news from his doctors he was hoping for on Thursday.

Russell, who has been out since he was injured in a spill at Pimlico on April 25, has started to gallop horses and was hoping his doctors would clear him on Thursday to resume riding early in the Laurel Park meet, which begins July 3.

According to Russell's agent, Marty Leonard, Russell's doctors want him to give his injuries more time to heal. Russell will more likely launch his comeback in late July, according to Leonard.

Russell, the leading rider at the Laurel Park winter meet, broke a number of ribs and had a badly punctured lung that required surgery after his mount fell when a horse ducked into his path.

Russell began galloping horses last week and on Monday galloped graded stakes winner Legendary at Fair Hill for trainer Niall Saville.

“I was comfortable; everything went well,” Russell said. “Tim Keefe gave me a great opportunity to gallop nice, easy horses and get a feel, and that has helped me a lot.”

Russell, who earned his 1,000th career victory this year, competed in a 10-kilometer road race on Sunday.