Bejarano, Stevens Getting New Agents

Leading Santa Anita Park jockey Rafael Bejarano and Hall of Fame rider Gary Stevens are each getting new agents, according to the Santa Anita communications department.



Bejarano, a perennial leader on the Southern California circuit, will now be represented by Tora Yamaguchi, the current stakes coordinator at Santa Anita, while Stevens will be represented by Ron Ebanks, a veteran agent who has been involved with other ventures the past three years.



Yamaguchi will begin representing Bejarano effective with the Los Alamitos meet on July 2, while Ebanks and Stevens will officially pair up at the start of Del Mar on July 16. Bejarano has been represented by Joe Ferrer and Craig O'Bryan has handled Stevens' book.

"Craig and I are great friends and we had a great run," Stevens said. "He's doing great with Tyler (Baze) and doing great with me, but I want to expand a little bit and want a little individuality. Ron (Ebanks) became available and was ready to go back to work. We've always wanted to work together so we're excited.

       

"Craig and I are like family... It was one of the most difficult things I've ever done, but we're excited to move forward."



Through 31 racing days at Santa Anita's spring meet, Bejarano held a 39-28 lead over runner-up Baze and his $1,832,842 in purses topped that list. Stevens had six wins from 24 mouns, with earnings of $576,100.