Long-sidelined jockey David Cohen set for return

Jockey David Cohen is nearing a return to race riding and plans to winter at the Oaklawn Park meet, which opens in January, he said Monday.

Cohen, 33, last rode Aug. 11, 2014, at Gulfstream. He has been working horses at Churchill Downs and intends to have his first mounts back at Fair Grounds before heading to Oaklawn.

Cohen was initially sidelined in February 2014 when he was kicked in the leg by a horse in the paddock at Aqueduct. The injuries to his leg healed, but personal matters delayed his intended return to the saddle.

“Besides the injury, I dealt with some personal things, my father – my best friend – passing away,” Cohen said. “And not too long after that my sister died. It was never a question of if I would return, but rather when.”

Cohen said he has spent time away from the track visiting with some of the members of his immediate family he had not seen in years due to his riding schedule. Cohen’s top wins include the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen in 2006 with Proud Tower Too and the Travers in 2012 with Golden Ticket.

Cohen said he has been getting on horses at Churchill the last few weeks for trainers Karl Broberg, Wayne Catalano, Brad Cox, Robertino Diodoro, and Ron Moquett.

“The last three days, I probably worked seven each day and got on nine or 10 total,” Cohen said.

“I’m going to Fair Grounds prior to Oaklawn to ride just a handful of horses to let everyone at Oaklawn see me riding and see I’m active. I want to let them see I’m healthy and riding strong. They haven’t seen me ride in a while.”

Longtime agent Bill Castle will represent Cohen.

“He’s in a great place mentally and physically,” Castle said. “He’s looking forward to this.”