Jockey Maldonado Returns Following Shoulder Injury
Image:
Description:
Photo: Benoit Photo
Jockey Edwin Maldonado aboard Ruby Nell after her victory in the 2023 Lady of Shamrock Stakes at Santa Anita Park
Jockey Edwin Maldonado returns to action this week at Santa Anita Park after recovering from a shoulder injury. The 41-year-old reinsman has six rides booked Jan. 26 and four more Jan. 27, including on Two Rivers Over in the featured San Pasqual Stakes (G2) for trainer Doug O'Neill.
Maldonado injured his right shoulder Jan. 6 after he was unseated from his mount during training hours. He has been back galloping and working horses since last week.
"I'm ready to go," Maldonado proclaimed the morning of Jan. 25.
Prior to the injury, Maldonado was off to a fast start at the Classic Meet. He was tied for fifth in the jockey's standings with six wins from 15 mounts, a robust 40% strike rate. His wins included the Lady of Shamrock Stakes on New Year's Eve on Ruby Nell , who returns in Saturday's $500,000 Pegasus Filly and Mare Turf Invitational Stakes (G2T) at Gulfstream Park for trainer Richard Mandella. She will be ridden there by Frankie Dettori, who Mandella secured after Maldonado was injured.
Entering Friday, Maldonado has 1,544 career wins and more than $53.7 million in purse earnings.