Cruguet, 72, Would Need Doctor's OK to Ride

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Photo: Keeneland/Coady Photography

Jean Cruguet and Ratoath Special at Keeneland.

Stewards in Kentucky have told 72-year-old retired jockey Jean Cruguet that he would need an affidavit from a physician if he is to ride a horse at Keeneland on April 27.

“Since Mr. Cruguet has not ridden actively as a jockey for approximately 15 years, and in order to protect the health and safety of Mr. Cruguet, other jockeys, horses, and the welfare of the betting public, the stewards have requested that Mr. Cruguet provide a medical affidavit from a qualified physician certifying that he is physically and mentally capable of performing the activities and duties of a licensed jockey,” Lisa Underwood, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission said April 7.

“In all instances, the safety and welfare of jockeys and their mounts is paramount in decisions made by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.”

Cruguet has said he plans to return to the saddle for one race, aboard a filly named Ratoath Special for trainer John Pucek on April 27.

In recent years, the French-born Cruguet who is best known for winning the 1977 Triple Crown with Seattle Slew, was the primary caretaker for his wife, Denyse Pendanx Cruguet, from the time she suffered a stroke in 2003 until her death in late 2010.
 

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