Desormeaux back in saddle for Belmont


June 5, 2012 at 12:00a.m.

HOF jockey is ready after failed Breathalyzer

Associated Press

NEW YORK

Kent Desormeaux has landed a ride in the Belmont Stakes after losing his mount in the Preakness Stakes because he failed a Breathalyzer test.

Owner-trainer trainer Doodnauth Shivmangal said Monday that his colt Guyana Star Dweej will run in Saturday’s Belmont and that Desormeaux will be aboard.

The Hall of Fame jockey was on the horse for a half-mile workout Monday. Desormeaux has ridden in the Belmont seven times, and won it in 2009 with Summer Bird. He finished second in 1998, when Real Quiet’s Triple Crown bid was spoiled, and in 2002 with Medaglia d’Oro.

Guyana Star Dweej had Eddie Castro as his jockey in his last race on April 27. Apprentice Samuel Camacho Jr. rode him in three previous races, including his only win on April 7.

“Kent came by with his agent and they were asking about the horse,” Shivmangal said. “We were debating who would ride him. My kids were thinking I should bring Camacho back to ride. I told them I have nothing against him. He won on the horse, but this is a big race, the toughest of the Triple Crown races to win.

“I met with my wife and kids and we decided to go with Kent. We felt it was the right decision to have an experienced jockey who knows what it takes. We believe in loyalty, but this is a big race and not a small race. You have to have somebody who knows how to do it.”

Guyana Star Dweej had been pointed to the May 19 Preakness, but he hurt his left front leg three days before the race and skipped it.

“Guyana Star is back on the straight path again,” Schivmangal said.

Desormeaux was removed as the rider of Tiger Walk for the Preakness after the 42-year-old rider failed the test at Belmont Park. He failed a Breathalyzer test at Woodbine in July 2010 and was removed from his mount that day.

Last September, Desormeaux was arrested and charged with misdemeanor reckless endangerment for hitting a traffic cop outside Saratoga. He was taken off his scheduled mount by racing officials.