LOS ANGELES — Two months shy of his 50th birthday, former Boisean Gary Stevens (Capital High) is launching a comeback this weekend at Santa Anita.

Stevens, who started his career as a teenager at Les Bois Park, said he's returning to the saddle after a seven-year retirement because his passion for riding has been reignited.

Stevens retired in November 2005 after battling knee pain for several years. He's been working as a racing commentator for HRTV and for NBC Sports during the Triple Crown series, and Stevens says he'll continue in those roles in between his riding commitments.

In announcing his comeback Thursday, Stevens said he is scheduled to ride in the sixth race on Sunday at Santa Anita. He plans to be selective in how many races he rides each week and he says he is coming back to ride quality horses with promising futures.