Controversial jockey banned from racecourse for fighting cameraman and battling alcohol issues set for comeback aged 50
A CONTROVERSIAL jockey whose record-breaking career has been marred by violence and drinking is set to make a stunning comeback aged 50.
American legend Kent Desormeaux is set to make his return to the track on Boxing Day.
The three-time Kentucky Derby winner checked himself into rehab in October in a bid to kick his alcohol addiction.
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That came after ugly scenes last July in which, according to a complaint filed by the California Horse Racing Board, Desormeaux attacked a cameraman in a car park.
The complaint claimed the iconic jockey, who has more than 6,000 career wins, was under the influence of alcohol when the scrap happened.
It was also claimed Desormeaux, who turns 51 in February, used racist language when confronting the cameraman at Del Mar racecourse in California, US.
Del Mar CEO Joe Harper said at the time: “Our action is not related to anything in racing, but rather to conduct which we don’t feel is consistent with our standards.”
Desormeaux did not respond directly to the claims, but in September he was given a 15-day ban by stewards for ‘disorderly conduct, racial slurs and aggressive behaviour’.
The ruling also ordered Desormeaux, who has not ridden since July, to check in with the Winner’s Foundation, who work with jockeys with substance-abuse issues.
Now the jockey’s agent, JR Pegram, has told drf.com his man intends to ride again after Christmas.
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He said: “Everything is going good for him.
“He is going to go into a sober-living program for 60 days and be an outpatient for six months, which will allow him to work during the day and attend classes at night.”
Desormeaux, inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 2004, is looking to return at Santa Anita racecourse.
He will try to end a disappointing run of form in which he won just 36 races last year, with his earnings the lowest since his first year riding in 1986.
Desormeaux, who set a US record for most races won in a single year with 598 in 1989, failed breathalyser tests in 2010 and 2012 and went into an alcohol rehab program in 2016.
He previously spoke about his alcohol issues, saying: “I hit bottom. I had a blackout. That’s enough.”
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