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Francisco Martinez, featured in TDN last year when he got his first win at age 30, has returned to riding–and the winner's circle–after spending three months on the sidelines due to injuries sustained in a Feb. 5 spill. He was the leading apprentice rider at Parx in 2024 after kicking off his career in March of last year. “It means a lot to me and my people that follow me and support what I do to get the opportunity to come back like this,” said Martinez. “I couldn't wait to get back in the saddle and win a race. There is no feeling like being one with the horse and being able to show what we can do. There is nothing better than winning a race and then thanking the horse for the ride and having the horse look back at you saying we did it. They have as much feelings as we do.” Martinez returned to action Monday at Parx, winning the fifth race aboard Jamie Ness trainee Persuasive (Omaha Beach) in his first start. He won two additional races Tuesday and now has 127 victories from 884 career starts. The post Parx’s Leading Apprentice Francisco Martinez Back to Winner’s Circle After Injury appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Maiden Watch Preakness EditionView the full article

Early Epsom Derby (G1) favorite The Lion In Winter will make his highly anticipated return to action after being declared for the May 15 Dante Stakes (G2) at York.View the full article

Scheduled to join Burnham Square, the sixth-place finisher from the Kentucky Derby (G1), in the $400,000 Matt Winn Stakes (G3) June 8 at Churchill Downs is Coal Battle, 11th in the Derby. View the full article

Former jockey Armando Rivera will highlight the mission of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF), which provides financial assistance to jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries, by racing in the Run the Bluegrass half-marathon May 17. Rivera is a paraplegic athlete and advocate for the PDJF. He has competed in over 50 races across the country and will race Saturday in his wheelchair. The half-marathon begins Saturday at 7 a.m. at Talon Winery in Southern Fayette County. Rivera participates to show his commitment to supporting his fellow injured riders. The post Jockey and Paraplegic Athlete Armando Rivera to Compete in Half-Marathon for PDJF appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article