Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens will undergo hip replacement surgery next week, it was announced Tuesday in a release. The 53-year-old had planned to ride through Santa Anita's spring meet, but MRIs and X-Rays revealed Monday that surgery was necessary. Stevens entered into a partnership last month with Ruis Racing to become the operation's stable rider and an advisor (click here for more). He will continue in his advisory role for Ruis Racing, and has not yet made a decision as to whether he will return to the saddle.
Stevens retired from riding in 2005, but began riding again in 2013. He underwent knee replacement surgery in 2014. The Idaho native was the regular rider of champion Beholder (Henny Hughes), and some expected him to retire after her career ended. The 6-year-old's final career start was a stirring victory in the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff Nov. 4.
“I wasn't ready to hang it up and I still don't know if I'm ready,” Stevens explained. “I'm going to have the procedure done next week and I'll play it by ear. I'm in a great position with Ruis Racing and I don't want to lose that. Luckily, I can continue on as part of the team and see what happens in a few months.”
Stevens' hip replacement surgery will be done by the same group that replaced his knee.
“Look–all I can do is have it done and hope for the best,” added Stevens, who ranks ninth all time in career earnings among North American jockeys with more than $250 million. “I hope I'm in a position in a few months where I can make the choice if I want to go back to riding or not. In the meantime, I am going to continue to help Ruis Racing develop their stock and see where it takes us.”
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