Gary Stevens to Remain in California
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Photo: Benoit Photo
Mick Ruis and Gary Stevens after Defiantly's victory in the Let It Ride Stakes
A planned move to Oaklawn Park for its winter meet has been cancelled by Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens, who will instead remain in Southern California to be the "first-call stable rider" for Ruis Racing as of Dec. 1, according to a news release.
"It is a great opportunity for me to partner with such a large stable," Stevens said. "I was excited to head to Oaklawn and explore my opportunities there, but this has come up at the right time and it is a partnership I am excited to be a part of on a bigger scale. I have always loved being part of a team and helping to develop horses, and I think this is the perfect group to do that with."
The Ruis family has been in racing for years but obtained a much stronger foothold this year when the family sold its controlling interest in American Scaffold and parlayed that money into Thoroughbreds.
Ruis Racing has purchased more than 50 horses this year and bought a spot in the Pegasus World Cup (gr. I) to be run at Gulfstream Park Jan. 28.
"We have known Gary and the Stevens family for years," said owner Mick Ruis. "To be able to work together to develop these horses is a great opportunity for both of us. We are excited to see where this takes us."