Umberto Rispoli, a two-time champion jockey in Italy who has been riding in Hong Kong in recent years, is headed to California. Ron Anderson, who will be Rispoli’s agent, said the 31-year-old rider will arrive in California Dec. 16 and accept his first mounts there on opening day, Dec. 26.

“He was touted to me by Frankie Dettori,” Anderson said. “He said the kid wanted to come to the US and asked if I would be his agent. He is a two-time champion in Italy, has an American style and has an unbelievable work ethic. He’s ridden all over the world. He’s a world-class rider, has no bad habits and is a real professional. I’m excited to go to work for him.”