Veteran Jockey Leonel Reyes Returns to Gulfstream After Ankle Fracture

Reyes, a two-time Venezuelan champion, aims to continue his success in South Florida after recovering from a November injury.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a jockey riding a racehorse, with the figures broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in a palette of deep blues, earthy browns, and vibrant reds, conveying the challenging nature of Reyes' comeback.Jockey Leonel Reyes' long-awaited return to the saddle at Gulfstream Park is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that reflects the fractured nature of his recovery.Oceanport Today

Veteran jockey Leonel Reyes is set to make his return to the saddle at Gulfstream Park on Thursday, nearly six months after sustaining a serious ankle fracture in a November spill. The 40-year-old Reyes, a two-time national champion in Venezuela and a nine-time meet titlist at National Racetrack Valencia, has been a fixture at Gulfstream in recent years, ranking among the Sunshine Meet's leading riders at the time of his injury.

Why it matters

Reyes' return is significant for Gulfstream Park, as he has been a consistent top rider at the track in recent years, winning multiple stakes races. His recovery from a major injury will be closely watched, as jockeys' health and longevity are crucial to the sport's success.

The details

Reyes underwent surgery and 2.5 months of rehabilitation to strengthen his left ankle joint after the November 2 spill. He began getting on horses again in late March and started breezing horses in early April. Reyes is named on several mounts this weekend at Gulfstream, including the stakes-winning mare Great Venezuela in Saturday's $75,000 Golden Beach overnight handicap.

  • Reyes last raced on November 2, 2025, when he sustained an open fracture of his left ankle in a spill at Gulfstream Park.
  • Reyes began getting on horses again on March 24, 2026, during the final week of the 2025-2026 Championship Meet.
  • Reyes will make his return to racing on Thursday, April 10, 2026 at Gulfstream Park.

The players

Leonel Reyes

A 40-year-old jockey who is a two-time national champion in Venezuela and a nine-time meet titlist at National Racetrack Valencia. Reyes has been a fixture at Gulfstream Park in recent years, ranking among the Sunshine Meet's leading riders at the time of his injury.

Orlyana Farm

The owner of the mare Great Venezuela, whom Reyes has ridden to multiple wins including the 2025 Lightning City at Tampa Bay Downs and the Nicole's Dream overnight handicap at Gulfstream.

Victor Barboza Jr.

The trainer of Great Venezuela, who Reyes has had a successful partnership with, never finishing off the board in 13 starts together.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I feel great. I am very happy to be getting back on the horses. There was a lot to do.”

— Leonel Reyes, Jockey

“She is a very good horse. It's special for me because I won a lot of races with her. I'm going to try to win again.”

— Leonel Reyes, Jockey

“Every day I feel better and better. I'm good now, no pain. Everything is OK. I want to thank everybody who helped with my recovery and for all their support.”

— Leonel Reyes, Jockey

What’s next

Reyes is named on several horses this weekend at Gulfstream Park, including the stakes-winning mare Great Venezuela in Saturday's $75,000 Golden Beach overnight handicap.

The takeaway

Reyes' return to racing after a serious ankle injury is a testament to his determination and the support he received during his recovery. His successful partnership with horses like Great Venezuela will be closely watched as he aims to continue his winning ways at Gulfstream Park.