Jockey Samyn wins in return after losing 2 fingers

Published Apr. 15, 2011 10:30 p.m. ET

foxsports

Jockey Jean-Luc Samyn returned to Aqueduct with a winning ride Friday, nearly two months after two of his fingers were cut off in a snowblower accident.

Samyn was first in the third race aboard Belong to Sheila. His previous victory came Feb. 20, a day before the accident.

''I am glad to be back,'' Samyn said. ''I left a winner, and I came back a winner.''

The 54-year-old rider was unclogging the blower with the power off when the blade moved. Two-thirds of the index and middle fingers on his right hand were sliced, with the ring finger broken.

Samyn says he stayed in shape by running and swimming. He returned to galloping horses this month and switched his whip to his left hand.

''If anyone is interested in a left-handed jockey who is two fingers lighter, here I am!'' he said.

The Frenchman has won 2,612 races in his 36-year career, with more than 110 stakes victories in New York and more than $94 million in purses.