Hot Santa Anita jockey Rispoli to stay in California with new agent

Umberto Rispoli, Santa Anita Park's fourth-leading jockey in his first season riding there, has announced his intentions to stay in California with a new agent.

After losing Ron Anderson to Hall of Famer John Velazquez in recent weeks, Rispoli, a native of Italy who rode previously in Hong Kong, said Sunday he will partner with Scotty McClellan moving forward.

From 151 mounts at Santa Anita, Rispoli shows a record of 34-23-22 and earnings of $1.5 million.

The 31-year-old, a two-time champion rider in Italy, faced a decision when Anderson took the book for Velazquez. Anderson also represents Joel Rosario, and agents are typically allowed to represent only two jockeys at a time.

“This happened so fast,” Rispoli said on March 1. “I have no idea what I’m going to do or what agent I’m going to take.”

McClellan amicably parted ways with Joe Talamo, who's now riding at Oaklawn Park, in December. During a career that began in 1972, his clients have included Darrel McHargue, Chris McCarron and Alex Solis.