Saenz locks up Delta riding title

Even though jockey Diego Saenz has been sidelined the last month with a broken collarbone, he will still win the Delta Downs riding title when the Vinton, La., meet closes Saturday night. Saenz was injured Feb. 17, after being thrown from a mount at the start of a race.

He leads the standings with 109 wins, 37 more than second-leading rider Don Simington. Saenz, 30, also will lead all riders in earnings when the meet closes, with his mounts having won $2,323,050 during the 91-night meet at Delta.

It's not clear when Saenz will be returning.

Saenz was a regular rider for leading trainer Keith Bourgeois. Bourgeois will win his seventh consecutive Delta title Saturday.

Delta will open its 52-date Quarter Horse meet on April 14. The track will race Wednesday through Saturday nights in a departure from its Thursday through Sunday schedule.

Among the top young horses that raced at Delta this past meet were Rule, winner of the Grade 3, $750,000 Delta Jackpot, and Backtalk, who won his comeback race in a stakes in February.