Meche Returns To Track

Jockey Donnie Meche will return to the saddle Feb. 22 at Fair Grounds for the first time since being suspended by the stewards at Delta Downs for six months. Meche was allowed to return to the track after receiving an injunction in a civil district court on Feb. 19.

Meche was suspended Feb. 8 by the stewards at Delta Downs for his ride aboard Cleaning House in a Jan. 23 trial race for the Graduation Futurity. As the heavy favorite Cleaning House finished third. He later won the Graduation Futurity.

The Louisiana Racing Commission upheld Meche's suspension on appeal.

Richard Price, agent for Meche, said the rider is ready to return to the track. Meche is scheduled for three mounts on Feb. 22. He will ride Zuppardon Blue in the third race, Smilin Slew in the eighth, and Scouts Emblem in the 10th race.