Jockey Rico Walcott, after battling two brain tumors, has triumphantly returned to racing, as originally reported by the Paulick Report. Many might see his comeback as a miraculous second chance, but Walcott is simply grateful to be back in the saddle at Woodbine, supported by his wife Shakara Yearwood and their two daughters, ages 15 and 3.
Walcott, who turned 36 in May and hails from Barbados, has quietly avoided dwelling on his health struggles. He experienced his first major health scare in March 2019 when he suffered seizures at home in Edmonton, leading to surgery to remove a Grade II astrocytoma tumor from his brain. Despite the seriousness of his condition and the lengthy recovery, he returned to racing later that year.
In Ontario, Jockey licenses require medical clearance, including a certificate from a doctor and an eye exam, which Walcott obtained before resuming riding. He competed in the 2019 season and later moved to Woodbine in Toronto in 2023, where he notched several notable wins. However, his season was cut short by a broken collarbone, and he took time off to recover in Barbados.
In April 2024, just as Walcott was preparing to return, he suffered another seizure and was diagnosed with a more aggressive Grade IV IDH mutant astrocytoma, prompting a second brain surgery in Toronto. Post-surgery, Walcott opted for natural remedies instead of traditional treatments, supported by fundraising efforts from friends and the Woodbine community.
Cleared by his neurologist in April 2025, Walcott officially resumed racing in May and has since won three races out of 31 starts. While a scar on his head remains concealed beneath his helmet, Walcott is eager to leave the past behind and focus on his future in racing.
On July 17th, he has three scheduled races at Woodbine, including one on Forester Philly, a filly that recently helped him return to winning form. Walcott remains humble about his journey, emphasizing his gratitude simply to be alive and riding again.
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Fan Take: Rico Walcott’s inspiring return to racing after battling brain tumors is a powerful testament to resilience and determination in horse racing. His story not only motivates fellow jockeys but also highlights the sport’s strong community support, showing that with perseverance, riders can overcome even the toughest challenges.
