Leparoux wrapping up stay at Oaklawn

Jockey Julien Leparoux, an Eclipse Award-winning rider who has been wintering at Oaklawn for the first time in his career, is wrapping up his time in Arkansas. This is his final week to ride regularly at the meet, agent Jose Santos Jr. said Tuesday.

Santos said Leparoux has upcoming stakes engagements on Jeff Ruby Day on March 23 at Turfway Park and Florida Derby Day March 30 at Gulfstream Park. In between, he will be riding some at Turfway and working horses to prepare for other meets in Kentucky.

“He’ll be ready for opening day at Keeneland,” Santos said.

Santos said Leparoux is scheduled to return to Arkansas for the Grade 2, $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap on April 20. The rider’s richest win this meet, the Grade 3, $600,000 Razorback Handicap, came aboard Octane, who is being pointed to the Oaklawn Handicap.

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Leparoux also had local stakes success this meet with Ice Cold in the $200,000 Year’s End and Butterbean in the $150,000 Mistletoe. Both fillies are trained by Kenny McPeek, for whom Leparoux also won a number of high-end maiden and allowance races. Leparoux entered the race week with a record of 16 wins from 114 mounts for earnings of $2 million this meet.

Cohen to Oaklawn

Jockey David Cohen said he plans to ride at Oaklawn on a regular basis following the conclusion of the Fair Grounds meet on March 24.

Cohen won the Oaklawn riding title in 2019. McPeek is one of the trainers he’s set to ride for.

“Kenny asked me if I wanted to come – more so recommended it,” Cohen said. “He’s obviously having a great season. It’s tough to say no to that.”

Cohen, who in the past teamed to win the Travers with McPeek, said the timing works well, as some riders will be heading to Kentucky. Cohen said he may have a few mounts at Keeneland, but intends to ride regularly at Oaklawn through the end of the meet on May 5. From there, he said he and his agent, Matt Memolo, will be based at Churchill Downs.

◗ The multiple stakes winner Tyler’s Tribe has been placed on the “vet list” after it was confirmed by an association veterinarian that he bled through Lasix in a Sunday allowance at Oaklawn, according to the stewards. An approved work after a period of at least 30 days is required for reinstatement.

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