Jockey Dick Cardenas back in Jamaica to resume his career

Following an absence of a year and nine months, Panamanian-born former champion jockey Dick Cardenas is back in Jamaica to resume his career in the saddle.

The 39 year old rider who had taken an extended break after suffering a serious injury in late 2022, arrived in the island from Miami on Friday and began working horses on Sunday morning.

The experienced rider who has ridden in the United States in the past, says  he will not be attached to any particular stable, but will instead operate on a freelance basis.

Cardenas who won the local jockeys' championship in 2011 and Jamaica Derby that same year astride Technomoto as well as the 2010 Triple Crown aboard Mark My Word, has so far ridden 771 winners at Caymanas Park. He's expected back in the saddle for competitive racing early next month.