Gary Stevens
On October 4, 2000, Gary
Stevens resumed his riding career after a ten-month
retirement. In late 1999, Stevens underwent arthroscopic
surgery to remove debris in a knee. He began riding
again on December 26, 1999, opening day at Santa
Anita, then shocked the racing world by announcing
he was retiring.
During much of his retirement, Stevens worked
as an assistant trainer for Alex Hassinger of
The Thoroughbred Corp. He returned to riding after
an insurance settlement was reached with Lloyd's
of London, which had written a disability policy
on him. Stevens enjoyed a big day on October 28
at Churchill Downs, riding champion Chilukki to
win the Churchill Downs Distaff Handicap (G2)
and piloting War Chant to capture the Breeders'
Cup Mile (G1).
He finished 2000 with 36 wins and earnings of
$3,167,958. Stevens, who was voted into the Racing
Hall of Fame in 1997, earned an Eclipse Award
as outstanding rider in 1998. Stevens began his
riding career in 1979.
|
