Valdivia Undergoes Surgery for Broken Leg

Jockey Jose Valdivia Jr. is expected to be sidelined through mid-January after the 41-year-old native of Peru sustained a broken left tibia and fibula during a fall during the fourth race at Churchill Downs Nov. 10.

Valdivia underwent surgery to repair the break Nov. 12 at the University of Louisville Hospital.

            

Valdivia was unseated from his mount, Millenial, when something went amiss with the 2-year-old colt as the field of 12 juveniles neared the far turn in the 1 1/16-mile grass race. Millenial fell when he severely injured his left front leg and was humanely euthanized, according to Dr. Bruce Howard, the chief veterinarian for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.

American Sea, ridden by Ricardo Santana Jr., and Exit Laughing, with Shaun Bridgmohan up, were unable to avoid the fallen horse and rider, and also fell. Corey Lanerie also was unseated from his mount, Irish Proud, but the colt did not fall.

Bridgmohan, Lanerie, and Santana walked back to the jockeys' room and were examined by the track's doctor. Bridgmohan took off his remaining two mounts because of body soreness. Lanerie and Santana were cleared to ride and both scored victories later on the card.

"I felt like I had won that race just to be able to walk away from it OK," said Lanerie, who won the following race on Copus and the eighth race on Bellatori for three wins on the day. "For a moment I didn't know what to expect. I just held on for the ride. It always feels good to get right back up from it and go win. It kind of makes you forget about that bad moment and just think about the good ones."

The incident tore the material off the heel of Santana's right boot.

"I was really happy to come back and win that race," Santana said, referring to a three-length triumph in the sixth race. "I just hurt my leg real bad earlier (Thursday). I don't know how bad it is. I'm feeling all right and just hope that I can keep riding. (Friday) is a new day, so hopefully I'm feeling better by then."

Bridgmohan was back in the saddle on Friday.

Trainer Charlie LoPresti reported that American Sea appeared to be fine back at the barn. Kenny McCarthy, assistant to trainer Bill Mott, said Exit Laughing seemed "OK" but might be "a bit body sore."