Dylan Davis Returns to Racing After Severe Injuries
Less than four months after sustaining serious injuries in a racing accident, jockey Dylan Davis is making a remarkable comeback at Gulfstream Park. Davis resumed riding in races on Saturday, March 1, 2026, during the Coolmore Fountain of Youth Day program, and followed up with four mounts on Sunday’s card, finishing second aboard Slow Kara in Race 2.
Comeback at Gulfstream Park
Davis is scheduled to ride in nine more races over the next three racing days, beginning Thursday, including entries in the $125,000 Silks Run with Souper Quest and the $175,000 Hurricane Bertie (G3) with Indy Bay. BloodHorse and Gulfstream Park News both reported on his return.
The Accident and Recovery
On November 14, 2025, the day before his 31st birthday, Davis suffered nine fractured ribs, a collapsed left lung, a broken right collarbone, and a hairline fracture of his upper right arm when his mount, Tarpaulin, collided with Heavyweight Champs, who broke down during a race at Aqueduct. Yahoo Sports detailed the severity of the injuries.
Davis described the first month of recovery as “more mental than anything.” He began physical therapy and gradually increased his activity level, running two miles every other day by the second month. He also incorporated resistance bands and weight training into his rehabilitation program. His recovery began at home and continued at Palm Meadows, Gulfstream’s training facility in Palm Beach County, where he started riding horses again in late February.
Davis’s Perspective
“It feels great. I’m happy to be back, excited,” Davis said. “It felt like forever to receive back here, but it was really only a few months. I thought I recovered really quickly.” He acknowledged the pain he endured, stating, “Eleven bones, collapsed lung, punctured lung, kidney – I don’t wish the pain on anybody.”
Davis expressed gratitude for the support he received during his recovery. “It makes you feel good. I dedicate my life to the sport, so it’s great to feel some loyalty and respect in return. I put my 100 percent out there every day for the outfits and the horses and I’m really happy to see that when I come back, it’s almost like I didn’t leave. I love the support from everybody.”
Career Highlights
Davis has over 1,600 career victories and previously achieved prominence during the 2013-2014 Gulfstream Championship Meet, winning 41 races and $967,028 in purse money. He also won 38 races, including four stakes races like the Royal Delta (G3), and nearly $2.4 million in purses during his return to Gulfstream last winter.