Montanez Resting After Undergoing Eye Surgery
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Jockey Rosario Montanez was resting at Albany Medical Center July 20 after reportedly undergoing eye surgery at 3 a.m., according to the New York Racing Association publicity office.
Montanez was transported by ambulance to the hospital the preceding afternoon after being unseated from his mount, Piquant, in the fifth race at Saratoga Race Course. He was evaluated for facial injuries and a concussion, and also was complaining of pain in his ribs and pelvic area.
Montanez did not sustain damage to his optic nerve, the NYRA publicity office reported, but will require additional surgery, according to hospital sources. He is expected to remain hospitalized for two more days.
Piquant stumbled badly on the turn of the seven-furlong claiming race on dirt after becoming tangled with Be Bullish, dropping Montanez. The jockey appeared to be struck by another horse.
Paramedics responded and Montanez was removed from the track by stretcher and taken directly to the hospital.
In his first season on the New York circuit this year, Montanez won with 11 of 120 mounts at the Belmont Park spring/summer meet. The 23-year-old rider from San Diego was an Eclipse Award finalist for North America's leading apprentice honors in 2011. He won his first race at Golden Gate Fields on May 20, 2010.