Stevens Named to Ride Casual Lies in Derby

The owner and trainer of Kentucky Derby hopeful Casual Lies has made a rider change.

Alan Patterson, who rode the 3-year-old colt to the brink of his scheduled Derby run, will be replaced by Gary Stevens.

Shelley Riley, the horse’s owner and trainer, announced the rider change during a reception Thursday at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds, where Casual Lies has been trained.

Riley said that ongoing negotiations to sell an interest in the colt dictated the rider switch. She said several potential buyers insisted on a jockey with more experience in major races.

Patterson won the biggest race of his 23-year career when he guided Casual Lies to victory Jan. 25 in the $300,000 El Camino Real Derby at Bay Meadows in San Mateo. He has no Triple Crown experience.

Stevens won the Kentucky Derby and Santa Anita Derby in 1988 with the filly Winning Colors.

Casual Lies, Riley’s first stakes-winning horse in 17 years in the racing business, was bought at a Kentucky yearling sale for $7,500. The colt has career earning of nearly $450,000 and finished third to A.P. Indy and Bertrando in the Santa Anita Derby.