Melancon winding career down

Sunday marks not only the end of the 42-day spring meet at Churchill Downs, but an era of a far longer duration.

Larry Melancon, who began his remarkably productive riding career long before many of the men and women in the current Churchill jockey colony were even born, most likely is retiring, effective with the sixth race on closing day.

Melancon, 54, said he might ride sparingly at the upcoming meet at Ellis Park but otherwise intends to take some time off before deciding what he will do next, although he said he hopes to remain in the racing business in some capacity.