Randy Romero Exercises Horses at Churchill

(from Churchill Downs notes)
Retired jockey Randy Romero has returned to the saddle at Churchill Downs, the track where a victory aboard unbeaten Personal Ensign in the 1988 Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I) became a signature moment of his stellar riding career.

The 47-year-old Romero has battled kidney and liver ailments in recent years, but the Louisiana native is feeling well now and has returned to the saddle to gallop horses for trainer Dallas Stewart. Romero climbed aboard one horse on Wednesday and galloped four on Thursday morning.

"It feels good," said Romero. "It helps you forget about all your problems."

Romero said he would gallop horses for Stewart through the rest of the Churchill Downs meet and would travel with the stable when it moves to Saratoga this summer.

A finalist for racing's Hall of Fame on several occasions, Romero rode 4,285 winners in his 25-year career as a jockey.