Espinoza Resolution: a January Return to Racing

Triple Crown-winning jockey Victor Espinoza could resume his riding career next month at Santa Anita Park after recovering from serious injuries in a training mishap July 22 at Del Mar.

"He's in Mexico right now visiting his family," said Espinoza's agent Brian Beach Dec. 17. "He posted a video of himself online chopping down a tree, so his neck must be feeling pretty good, to swing an ax.

"He says everything is going well, he's just working on his fitness, he wants to test ride a couple horses around the first of the year, and if things go well, he's looking at maybe the middle of January (to be back in the saddle competitively)."

Earlier this month Espinoza returned to Del Mar for the first time since incurring a fractured vertebra and spinal cord trauma in the July 22 training accident. The official duties for Espinoza Dec. 2 at Del Mar were to present the trophy to the winner of the $300,000 Hollywood Derby (G1T), which he did to owner Peter Brant and jockey Joel Rosario of Raging Bull with acting brothers Luke and Owen Wilson alongside. 

Before and after the ceremony, however, Espinoza used the occasion to provide some good news to fans, horsemen, and followers—projecting a January return.

"My body is getting stronger day by day," said Espinoza, whose initial treatment was done at Scripps La Jolla and who has been recuperating at his Del Mar residence. "Last week I saw my doctor and they checked the MRI and it came out perfect. I was surprised but really happy. Everything is coming along well and I don't need surgery, which is great. My spinal cord has healed perfectly fine, which was my main concern."