Rispoli in search of new agent

ARCADIA, Calif. – Umberto Rispoli, who has vaulted into the top four in the jockey standings in his first winter in California, will soon need a new agent.

Late last week, Rispoli learned that agent Ron Anderson is joining with Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez and will be moving to the East Coast. Anderson will continue to represent Joel Rosario, but not Rispoli. Agents are allowed to represent only two riders.

“It was a thunderstorm on my head,” Rispoli said of his reaction.

“I’m a little lost. I’ll find myself soon.”

Through Sunday, Rispoli had won 28 races at the meeting, which began on Dec. 28. Flavien Prat and Rosario are tied for first with 33 wins, closely followed by Abel Cedillo in third with 32 wins.

:: To stay up to date, follow us on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Considering his position in the standings, the Italian-born Rispoli is unlikely to go long without an agent, but he has yet to resolve where he will spend the spring. Rispoli, 32, has considered a move to Keeneland for April.

“It’s good option to stay if I can find a good agent,” Rispoli said on Sunday. “The question mark is to go to Kentucky. People don’t know me as good as they do here.”

Rispoli won his second stakes of the meeting on Saturday with Hariboux in the $102,000 Pasadena Stakes for 3-year-olds at a mile on turf.

Rispoli moved from Hong Kong to California in December at the urging of Anderson.

“If it wasn’t for Ron, I wouldn’t be in America,” Rispoli said.