Stephen Back to Work After Keeneland Spill
Description:
Jockey Anthony Stephen was back galloping horses for trainer Jonathan Sheppard at Keeneland on the morning of Oct. 10, after being taken to the hospital when thrown following the third race a day earlier.
Stephen's mount, 3-year-old first-time starter Arty's Cigar, stumbled while galloping out following the race, sending the rider over the gelding's head.
"The last thing I remember was taking my helmet off and the next thing I knew I was in the ambulance and people are asking me all kinds of questions," said Stephen, who has a picture on his phone of where Arty's Cigar kicked his helmet.
He was transported to the University of Kentucky Medical Center.
"They did not take any X-rays or anything (at the UK Medical Center), and they said I must be a fast healer because they sent me home," Stephen said.
Arty's Cigar, who finished seventh in the 6 1/2-furlong event for $15,000 maiden claimers, got up immediately and was quickly corraled.
"If he survived that (kicking me in the head), then he is good," Stephen said with a laugh. "That's what I am telling everybody."