Drayden Van Dyke. (Zoe Metz Photo)
Santa Anita Stable Notes By Victor Ryan
After stepping away from the game in early October to reset his “mind and body,” jockey Drayden Van Dyke returned to action Sunday with two rides at Santa Anita.
The 29-year-old jockey, a winner of 809 races and more than $52 million in prize money, finished fourth in the third race aboard Apple Fest (5-1) and eighth in the GIII Las Cienegas aboard Fast and Shiny (24-1). Both mounts came for Bob Baffert, who has had a long relationship with Van Dyke.
“I feel reborn,” the jockey said after his ride abord Apple Fest. “It’s crazy how taking that time off did so much good for my mind and body. I’m glad I did it.”
In his comeback on Apple Fest going 6 ½ furlongs on turf, Van Dyke had his mount forwardly placed throughout and held a half-length lead with a furlong to go. The 4-year-old Bolt d’Oro filly then got leg weary late and was overhauled. The winner, Make it Snow, paid $6.80 as the second choice for trainer George Papaprodromou.
“I got a little excited there until I got passed,” Van Dyke said. “We were going good, and she just flattened out a bit.”
For Van Dyke, getting his comeback started with Baffert at his side was particularly special. He said his favorite memory in racing was winning two Grade Is on the same day for Baffert in 2018. On Dec. 8 of that year, Van Dyke piloted Improbable to victory in the GI Los Alamitos Futurity and Chasing Yesterday to a head victory in the GI Starlet.
“I’m so thankful to Bob for doing this for me,” Van Dyke said. “He put me on a few breezers in the morning to get my legs underneath me again. Hopefully I can do well.”
Winner of the 2014 Eclipse Award as outstanding apprentice, Van Dyke had not ridden in a race since last Oct. 6 at Santa Anita. Prior to the self-imposed hiatus, Van Dyke’s business had been waning. His peak year came in 2018 when he won 150 race and more than $11 million in earnings. Four years later in 2022 he was down to 46 wins and $3 million in earnings. Last year, Van Dyke won just five races from 136 mounts.
“I decided it was time to step away. I needed it,” said Van Dyke, who won his first race at the age of 19 on Nov. 21, 2013, at Hollywood Park. “My point of view and perspective is so much better now. It’s better than it’s ever been.”
Van Dyke’s return also includes a change in agent. Now carrying his book is Ryan Cosato, son of Slam Dunk Racing’s Nick Cosato.
“It really feels amazing to be back and hopefully we can build on this start,” Van Dyke said. “I really missed it. Especially the horses”
