Champion jockey Jevian Toledo is making significant strides in his recovery from a collarbone injury sustained two months ago. The 29-year-old rider, a four-time leading jockey in Maryland, is optimistic about returning to the saddle soon as he awaits medical clearance.
Toledo, who has been undergoing therapy, expressed confidence about his progress. "I’m doing good," Toledo stated. "I was supposed to see the doctor on Friday, but he had an emergency, so I have to go back Wednesday morning to see what is next. The therapist is happy with my progress, so hopefully, I will have good news this week coming up."
The injury occurred on April 21 during the fourth race at Laurel Park. Toledo was unseated when his mount, Jackie A, tripped over another horse, Bourbon and Ice, who had stumbled in tight quarters at the top of the stretch. Both horses walked off the track without severe injuries. Toledo and fellow jockey J.G. Torrealba were taken to the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center. While Torrealba was released and returned to racing the next day, Toledo was transferred to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore.
"The bone was dislocated through the inside, not the outside, so they had to do surgery to reposition it," Toledo explained. "They told me not to pull anything if I wanted to keep the bone in place. Now I’m putting weight on it and feeling good, so hopefully, that’s a good sign."
Toledo's impressive career includes leading all Maryland riders in wins at Laurel and Pimlico Race Course in 2015, 2017, 2021, and 2022. Last year, he rode 130 winners in Maryland, finishing third behind Jaime Rodriguez and Jeiron Barbosa, and earned a career-high $8.19 million in purses overall.
Reflecting on his recovery, Toledo mentioned, "I’ve been doing therapy for a month, going twice a week. It looks like everything’s going well. Hopefully, after the doctor sees me, he will at least let me start getting on a couple of horses to see how I’m feeling, and then we’ll decide after that."
With his 30th birthday approaching on August 20, Toledo is eager to return to racing and continue his successful career. His determination and positive outlook suggest he will be back in the winner's circle soon.