Pedroza Injured in Spill at Fair Grounds

Jockey Marcelino Pedroza suffered a broken left collarbone in a fall in the seventh race Jan. 16 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots when his mount, Jim's Silverbullet, suffered a catastrophic injury near the top of the stretch and he was unseated.

The breakdown also impacted jockeys Mitchell Murrill, aboard Max Pandowdy, and Robby Albarado, aboard Awe Patriot, as both riders fell from their mounts as they scrambled to avoid their fallen rival. Murrill took off his remaining mounts Thursday and is listed as "day-to-day" while Albarado was able to finish out the card.

Both of the loose horses were caught by outriders and walked off the track.

Track media reported Jim's Silverbullet, who was vanned off, suffered a catastrophic breakdown. A 3-year-old Discreet Cat gelding, Jim's Silverbullet was making his second career start for owner James Huff and trainer Eric Heitzmann.

Pedroza's agent, Richie Price, provided the injury update on the rider and said he's looking forward to getting back to compete at the meet.

"He wants to heal as quickly as possible, so we are awaiting word from the doctor (at Tulane Medical Center) on possible surgery," Price said. "We are looking at being out the standard six to eight weeks. We are hoping he can return towards the end of the (Fair Grounds) meet, sometime in March." 

With 18 wins from 139 mounts, Pedroza ranks sixth in wins in the Fair Grounds' jockey standings through Jan. 16.