Sports

Stevens takes third in jockey comeback

ARCADIA, Calif. — Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens yesterday finished third in the first race of his comeback after a seven-year retirement at Santa Anita.

Stevens was aboard Jebrica in the sixth race, a $45,000 claiming race at a mile on the turf. They were running second late in the race before finishing a nose behind second-place Deacon Speakin’. Maybe Tuesday won the race.

It was Stevens’ only mount on the card.

Stevens announced last week he was launching a comeback because he still has a passion for riding. The jockey, who turns 50 in March, also plans to continue his jobs with HRTV and NBC Sports as a racing analyst. He said he will be selective in how many races he rides in.