Jockey Collins Suffers Paralysis After Spill

Veteran jockey Dennis Collins has suffered paralysis after a spill Sept. 25 at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Collins was riding Smiling Reuben in the third race Sunday, when his mount appeared to break down and fall after dueling with leader A Warrior Defined through a half-mile in :48.32. Collins was thrown to the dirt.

Brad Fowler, who works as Collins’ agent when he rides at Turf Paradise and Arapahoe Park, said the initial diagnosis from doctors at University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque is paralysis from the waist down.

Collins’ girlfriend, trainer Heather Brock, in a Facebook posting she gave BloodHorse permission to use, said that surgery on Sept. 26 went well, and rods and screws were put in place to help support his spine.

“At this time Dennis is paralyzed from his hips down, and while we hope and pray for improvement as the spinal swelling goes down, the doctors have confirmed the damage was very extensive and the chances of him recovering leg function is very slim,” Brock said. “But we still ask for prayers that he improves by God's grace. Miracles do happen.”

Brock said Collins has maintained a positive attitude and “his goofy sense of humor.” She said an initial plan is to have Collins transferred, after he's stable, to a rehabilitation hopsital in Phoenix, Ariz.

Collins, 53, has won more than 2,200 races since 1986. He has won stakes races at Turf Paradise, Horsemen’s Park, Fonner Park, and Prairie Meadows.