Jockey Pedroza shows insane concentration to catch whip mid-race

Jockey Martin Pedroza was off his mounts Saturday and Sunday at Santa Anita Park after what the Daily Racing Form reported was a fight between him and a valet in the jockey’s room on Friday.

Pedroza needed a hospital visit, and a doctor’s advice led to a couple days away from the track.

Apparently, on Monday he returned sharp as ever. Take this photo by Jerry Espinoza for example.

Pedroza, aboard Reslient Humor, led halfway through the six-furlong starter allowance race and at one point looked like he might lose his whip. The moment was barely noticeable on the broadcast, but Espinoza captured just when it looked as if Pedroza might drop the whip. Instead, the jockey managed to catch it and ride his horse to a runner-up finish.