Belmont Park Exercise Rider Dies in Accident

Exercise rider Juan Vazquez, 39, died the morning of Sept. 5 following a training accident at Belmont Park, according to the New York Racing Association communications department.

 

Vazquez was working Global Warrior, an unraced 2-year-old, in company with Broadway Bay in the stretch on the training track at approximately 8 a.m. EDT. The horse suddenly ducked into the inside rail and unseated Vazquez, according to Bruce Brown, who trains both horses.

 

"They were nearing the end of the work and Juan reached back to hit the horse once, right-handed," said Brown. "The horse ducked into the rail and he (Vazquez) ended up over the inside rail."

 

Vazquez was transported to North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y., where he was pronounced dead.

 

"The entire New York Racing Association family is deeply saddened by this tragic event," said John Durso Jr., director of communications and media relations for the New York Racing Association. "This was a rare, unusual and unfortunate incident. Our collective thoughts and prayers are with Juan Vazquez's family during this difficult time."



Mexican-born Vazquez also trained in addition to working as an exercise rider.