Marcelino Pedroza Jr., 2019 leading jockey at Indiana Grand, is set to return Monday, Sept. 7 at the Shelbyville, Ind., track. The native of Panama has been out with an elbow injury since a training incident May 28 at Indiana Grand.
“I've been working hard and exercising and getting on an Equicizer to get back in shape, and I feel great,” said Pedroza. “I didn't want to get on any horses until I got the okay from the doctor because I wanted to do everything right. I got the okay from the doctor yesterday (Wednesday, Sept. 2) and was able to get on four horses (Thursday, Sept. 3). It feels really good to be back.”
Pedroza has been competing on the Indiana circuit full time for the past five years. He earned the leading rider title during the 2017 meet followed up by a title in 2019. Last year's record-setting season in Indiana brought him 153 winners during the 120-day meet. He set the record for most purse earnings in one season ($3,406,044). He also tied Rodney Prescott for most wins on one program with six wins. Pedroza has earned 15 career stakes wins at Indiana Grand and is ranked fifth on the list of all-time leading riders for wins in Indiana with 495 trips to the winner's circle, bringing in more than $12 million in total purse earnings.
“I've been exercising a lot in addition to my physical therapy,” added Pedroza. “I go to therapy for my (left) elbow twice a week and my therapist told me last week I was ready, but we had to wait for the doctor's okay. I'm just happy to finally be back and I can't wait to ride Monday. It's good to be able to do what you love to do.”
Pedroza has five scheduled mounts on the Monday, Sept. 7 racing program. He will begin in Race 1 aboard Talented Tapper from post one at odds of 5-2.
Racing is held Monday through Thursday each week through Wednesday, Nov. 18. Two more Saturday programs are slated for all-Quarter Horse racing days Oct. 3 and Oct. 24 with a daytime first post. For more information, visit www.indianagrand.com.
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