Locke returning to saddle on Sunday

DEL MAR, Calif. – Jockey turned trainer Tony Locke hasn’t ridden in a race since 1997, nor has he won a race since 1993, but he will return to the saddle on Sunday to ride first-time starter Elprado’s Heirloom in the second race.

Locke, 56, has been a trainer now for nearly two decades. He has a small barn, one of the many horsemen who make up the backbone of the sport. He is winless with 21 runners this year, is 35 for 823 overall, and is 5 for 198 since 2006. He has just one ruling in the California Horse Racing Board database, a fine of $100 back in 2004 for failing to be present to saddle a horse at Golden Gate.

As a jockey, Locke won 26 races in North America.

Elprado’s Heirloom, a 4-year-old filly, has been based at the Galway Downs training center. She is trained by Meagan Davenport, who has had one starter this year. Elprado’s Heirloom drew the outside post in a field of eight California-bred fillies going 1 1/16 miles on turf.