Wtf-horiffic spill at CD and people have to rely on Tweets for information.
DRF update:
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Thirty minutes after a big crowd at Churchill Downs roared in approval to a thrilling finish of the Stephen Foster Handicap, they recoiled in horror when a gruesome breakdown and jockey spills occurred at the sixteenth pole in the next race Saturday night.
John Velazquez was the most seriously hurt of the jockeys in the ninth race. His mount, Mr. Producer, broke down badly near the sixteenth pole in pursuit of the winner, Lockout, and Velazquez, thrown hard to the dirt surface, appeared to be struck by a trailing horse, Lemansky, a few seconds later.
After a few terrifying moments, Velazquez got to his own feet, then was strapped to a stretcher. Churchill officials reported about 30 minutes later that the New York-based jockey was conscious and being transported to nearby Audubon Hospital and that he was complaining of shoulder pain.
Velazquez finished a close second aboard the odds-on favorite, Wise Dan, in the Grade 1 Stephen Foster, which was won by Ron the Greek.
When Mr. Producer broke down, he fell immediately into the path of Smart Farda, ridden by Manny Cruz. A few strides later, Lemansky, with John McKee up, was unable to avoid the spill and appeared to strike Velazquez. Both Cruz and McKee walked away, with neither seriously hurt.
Mr. Producer, a 4-year-old colt by Dehere, had to be euthanized. He was making his third career start in the 1 1/16-mile maiden race and was owned by Albert Frassetta and Elayne Stable 5 and trained by Graham Motion.