Jockey Victor Carrasco taking time with return

Victor Carrasco, who badly broke his lower right leg in two places in a spill at Delaware Park last September, galloped horses for the first time since being injured Tuesday at Laurel Park.

Carrasco, the Eclipse Award-winning apprentice of 2013 and one of the top riders in Maryland, has put in countless hours of rehab in recent months and now is taking the next step in his recovery.

“It feels good to be back working,” Carrasco said. “My legs are getting stronger every day.”

Carrasco’s doctors have not yet given him permission to ride in races. Carrasco and agent Tom Stift, who has represented the 25-year-old throughout his career, plan to take their time before he begins accepting mounts.

“I’ve waited eight months and it won’t hurt if I have to wait two more to be 100 percent,” Carrasco said.

Carrasco has won 833 Thoroughbred races, including 12 in his native Puerto Rico. He has a 17 percent win average, and his mounts have earned more than $22.4 million.