Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux is out of alcohol rehab and ready to ride the favourite Exaggerator in Saturday’s Belmont Stakes in New York.

Desormeaux, a three-time Kentucky Derby winner, issued a statemtn confirming that he will return to riding at Belmont on June 9 following a brief stay in an alcohol rehabilitation clinic in Utah.

"It was time to take a sober look at my life and take this step," said Desormeaux, who has won the Santa Anita Derby and Preakness Stakes on Exaggerator this season.

Desormeaux admitted himself to the clinic after he rode at Santa Anita on May 28.

The 46-year-old jockey was taken off of his final two mounts at Del Mar at a Del Mar meeting last July because of a failed breathalyzer test.

The jockey has also been taken off mounts for alcohol-related violations while riding at past Belmont and Woodbine meetings.

Desormeaux had never been in rehab before and has attended only two Alcoholics Anonymous meetings but admits he has been battling alcoholism for years.

"I am now in full understanding of the depth of my problem and I am now going to address it professionally," Desormeaux said.

“I am mandated to take a breathalyzer test every day. The fans who put their money on Kent Desormeaux can rest assured that I'm ready and good to go when I show up for work.”

"I would like to thank each and every owner and trainer who has given me the confidence in myself.

"Whatever questions they may have had in their mind, I can assure them there now will be no questions.

“I thank them all for the mounts and the opportunities they have given me. Now the sky's the limit."