Montana Jockey Seriously Injured in Spill
Description:
A jockey is hospitalized in serious condition with head injuries after a weekend horse racing accident in Great Falls, Mont.
The Great Falls Tribune reported (http://gftrib.com/1qgogJl) jockey Bill Christian fell during the fifth race July 27 at the state fair race meet at Montana ExpoPark.
Meet director Kelly Manzer says he believes two horses clipped heels. Christian's mount, an 8-year-old named Vader Grade, suffered a serious shoulder injury and had to be euthanized.
Christian is in his 50s and is originally from Yakima, Wash., but works out of New Mexico. Spokeswoman Karen Ogden at Benefis Health System said Christian was in serious condition Monday afternoon.
The Great Falls Turf Club, which operated the meet, said it had insurance that will help cover the jockey's medical bills.
According to Equibase.com, Christian has won with six of 48 mounts this year, with 30 wins from 359 starters for his career, with earnings of $149,714.