Gary Stevens To Return To Racing For Breeders' Cup

   ARCADIA, Calif. (CBSLA.com/AP) -- Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens will ride in the Breeders' Cup next week, three months after having right knee replacement surgery.

The 51-year-old rider hasn't ridden in a race since the surgery on July 25.

"I came along a lot faster than I thought I was going to," said Stevens to HRTV. "I put a target date of Dec. 26 and after getting on horses after three days, I knew I'd be back a lot faster. My fitness level was a lot better than expected. Two thumbs up."

Stevens will be aboard Sivoliere in the BC Juvenile Fillies next Friday.

He won the $5 million BC Classic last year on Mucho Macho Man, as well as the BC Distaff with Beholder. Neither of those horses is running this year.

Stevens says nothing can top last year's Breeders' Cup success, but that being able to ride so soon after major surgery is right up there.