Lebron off and running after injury

It didn't take Victor Lebron long to return to the winner's circle. The 24-year-old jockey suffered fractures and tissue damage in his right ankle during a spill at Turfway Park in March. On Tuesday, in his third mount back after his layoff, Lebron won aboard Prime Choice ($5.20) in the sixth race at Indiana Downs for trainer Chuck Peery.

When the spill first occurred, doctors said he would be out six months.

"I am back early - I guess I just naturally heal fast," Lebron said. "I used some natural herbs from the islands and put it on my ankle, and the doctors did an awesome job getting me ready and setting up the rehab."

Lebron used his time off to learn more about racing, taking out his agent's license, and working for Rafael Mojica and Kevin Kreigger.

"I wanted to keep busy and focus my mind on horse racing," he said. "I didn't want to stress about being injured and not riding. I've got to keep in touch with trainers and be around so they didn't forget me. I think it was very good for me."

Lebron came out of the experience with a new respect for agents.

"It was a lot harder than I thought it was," he said. "I was surprised at how much there is to it. They do a lot more to earn their money than I thought they did - except my agent," Lebron said, laughing, about agent Jimmy McNerny.

On July 11, Lebron plans to return to Ellis Park, where he won the 2008 riding title.

"We did well there and I like it there," Lebron said. "It is just a lot hotter than here."