Van Dyke gets back to the winner's circle

Jockey Drayden Van Dyke won for the first time since Oct. 1 aboard English Danger in Sunday’s first race at Santa Anita, five weeks after he returned from a three-month self-imposed hiatus.

Last October, Van Dyke, 29, left racing to deal with personal issues and his mental approach to the sport. He resumed working horses in early January and had his first mount of the year on Jan. 14.

“It’s nice to get a win,” Van Dyke said. “The connections make it extra special.”

English Dancer, who was Van Dyke’s 14th mount of the winter-spring meeting, is owned by the Slam Dunk Racing syndicate and trained by Rolando Quinonez. Slam Dunk Racing is directed by Nick Cosato, a golfing buddy of Van Dyke’s. Ryan Cosato, Nick’s son, is Van Dyke’s agent.

Van Dyke has ridden sparingly since his comeback, and said after Sunday’s win that he hopes the win will lead to more opportunities.

“I think I’m just as good, if not better,” he said.

“This is going to help. Everyone wants to see you get the win. Perception is huge.”

Van Dyke, who won the Eclipse Award as the nation’s outstanding apprentice of 2014, has won 810 races.

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