Stevens’ Comeback Is ‘Very Doubtful’

Don’t look for Gary Stevens’ name in the Del Mar entries this weekend, or any other time in the foreseeable future.

A Hall of Fame jockey who retired last Dec. 26 because of chronic knee problems, Stevens, 37, said Wednesday morning he has abandoned a possible comeback and said it was “very doubtful” that he would ever return to riding.

There had been widespread speculation that Stevens would be back in the saddle at Del Mar. He has been working horses regularly for various trainers, but he didn’t get on any horses Wednesday morning and said he wouldn’t be working anymore for the rest of the Del Mar meet.

“Right now, [a return] is not possible,” he said. “My knees are not 100% and it’s no secret that I have arthritis and it’s a degenerative condition. It’s not going to get better.”