Frank Olivares, the dean of the local jockey colony at 54, announced Wednesday that he is retiring from riding after a comeback of less than a year."I'm hanging up my tack," said Olivares, who has accepted a position as client advisor of Assael BMW in Monrovia. He also hopes to maintain contact with racing through some television work for TVG.
Olivares returned to the saddle last June after an 11-year hiatus. He rode for 22 years until 1992, when he launched a career as a trainer. Highlights of his riding career included a 1983 Florida Derby victory aboard Croeso, a 1988 Santa Margarita Handicap victory on Flying Julia, Del Mar Futurity victories aboard Go West Young Man in 1977 and Drag Race in 1989, and the 1975 Sunset Handicap at Hollywood Park with Cruiser II.