Migliore lands Gryder's agent

JAMAICA, N.Y. - Jockey Richard Migliore, a longtime leading rider on the New York circuit, hired Drew Mollica as his agent, effective Jan. 1.

Migliore, who has been represented by Mike Sellito for the past 4 1/2 years, said one of the reasons behind the change came as a result of the time Sellito was spending at his Florida home.

Migliore spent the last three winters riding at Gulfstream Park, but decided to stay at Aqueduct this winter so he could be with his wife and four children.

"Mike and I weren't on the same page and I needed to make a change," Migliore, a winner of nine Aqueduct riding titles, said Sunday. "I certainly understand Mike wanting to be with his family down there. My focus is geared to spending time with my family at home."

Mollica has handled the book of Aaron Gryder, the leading rider at Aqueduct's inner track meet for the past three years since Gryder relocated from California 4 1/2 years ago.

"I'm appreciative of the opportunity Richard has given me and I'm appreciative of the great years with Aaron," Mollica said. "Aaron is truly an American success story. To know Aaron Gryder is to like him."

Gryder said he only found out the news on Sunday and didn't want to rush out and get a new agent without giving the decision some thought.

"I'm going to ride at Hollywood Park on Monday and will be back Tuesday," Gryder said. "I'll bide my time. I don't want to make a quick decision. I'll look at all my options."