Precisionist, in Comeback, Stumbles Leaving Gate and Throws McCarron

The highly anticipated return of 1985 champion sprinter Precisionist was over before it began Wednesday, as he stumbled coming out of the starting gate and unseated jockey Chris McCarron.

Thereafter, the riderless Precisionist had a smooth performance without the burden of his 115 assigned pounds and finished ahead of Epidaurus, who received credit for the victory as he kept Bill Shoemaker in the saddle.

Epidaurus crossed the line a length ahead of Red Attack, who finished a neck ahead of Midwest King. Epidaurus, owned by Howard B. Keck and trained by Charles Whittingham, covered the mile in 1:34 3/5 and paid $6.40, $3.40 and $3.00. Red Attack returned $6.40 and $3.60 and Midwest King paid $4.20 to show.

Precisionist, a 7-year-old son of Crozier, hadn’t raced since Nov. 1, 1986, when he finished third in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. His 5-year-old campaign included victories in The Californian, Woodward Stakes and San Bernardino Handicap. He was retired to stud early in 1987 with earnings totaling $3,073,710, after breaking his left front cannon bone during a workout.

Wednesday’s featured eighth race, a mile event on the dirt, was Precisionist’s first appearance at Hollywood Park since July 20, 1986, when he took third in the Hollywood Gold Cup.

McCarron, who rode the horse to numerous major stakes victories, landed on his feet as the horse continued on his way from the sixth post position.

“He stood perfect (in the gate),” the jockey said. “When he pushed off, he pushed off so hard that the dirt just slipped from beneath his feet. There were two skid marks from his front feet. His head went right down in the dirt, and he pulled me off to the right. Oh, well, back to the drawing board.”

Trainer John Russell, who has been training Precisionist for owner Fred W. Hooper for slightly more than two months, said: “I’m just so relieved he didn’t hurt himself. I just hope they don’t weight him off that race.”