Dance With Fate's Exercise Rider Has Surgery
Description:
Exercise rider Joe Duran, injured in the tragic accident at Del Mar while aboard Dance With Fate, was scheduled to have surgery July 25 at Scripps La Jolla Hospital for fractured vertebrae and three fractured ribs.
Trainer Peter Eurton visited Duran at the hospital July 24, several hours after the accident. Duran's wife, Janice, is with her husband, the trainer said.
"They said he could have healed without the surgery but recommended he have it," Eurton said. "Joe feels terrible about what happened, but he's going to be okay and could be back in 4-6 months."
Duran and Dance With Fate, who was the favorite for the San Diego Handicap (gr. II) July 26, were on the track for a routine gallop when the 3-year-old colt suddenly bolted and crashed into an outside fence, throwing Duran. The Toyota Blue Grass (gr. I) winner sustained a severe leg injury and was euthanized after veterinarians determined they could not save him.