Kent Desormeaux in rehab, will ride in Belmont

ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) — Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux has entered an alcohol rehabilitation program in Utah, but plans to return to ride Preakness winner Exaggerator in the Belmont Stakes next week.

The rider with a history of alcohol-related issues says in a statement issued Saturday by agent J.R. Pegram that “it was time to take a sober look at my life and take this step.”

According to Pegram, Desormeaux plans to be back riding in New York on Thursday following his stay at Cirque Lodge in Sundance, Utah.

Pegram said Desormeaux last rode on May 28 at Santa Anita. Desormeaux, who rides Exaggerator for his old brother, trainer Keith Desormeaux, is scheduled to be aboard Shrinking Violet in the Intercontinental Stakes on Thursday for trainer Wesley Ward.

Last year, Desormeaux was fined $2,500 by track stewards for being under the influence of alcohol during a race program at Del Mar. He also has failed breathalyzer tests at several other tracks.