Apprentice Saez to Indy Hospital After Spill
Description:
Apprentice jockey Juan Saez was airlifted to an Indianapolis hospital Oct. 14 following a frightening spill during the eighth race at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino.
The 17-year-old suffered severe head trauma and was fighting for his life at Methodist Hospital Tuesday evening, Daily Racing Form reported.
Saez's agent, Julio Espinoza, told the publication that doctors revived the young rider “about three or four times” after it appeared that he had died at the track. Espinoza said that Saez had other serious injuries as well and that his chances for survival were dim.
Although details of the incident are being reviewed by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission's board of stewards, it is believed that Montezuma Express, ridden by Saez, clipped heels with the horse in front of him, Paddy's Notes, ridden by Oriana Rossi. As a result of the contact in the turn of the six-furlong optional claiming race, Montezuma Express, a 4-year-old son of Henny Hughes, fell, causing Saez to be unseated. Trailing horse Masaru, ridden by Ricardo Santana Jr., was unable to avoid the fallen horse and also fell, unseating that rider.
Saez, a native of Panama, is the younger brother of journeyman Luis Saez. He was airlifted from the track by Life Flight and transported to hosptial. Montezuma Express, trained by Rick Hiles for B M H Stable, had to be euthanized. No other riders were taken to the hospital.
Saez has a 2-3-7 standing from 26 mounts at the current Keeneland meet for a 46% in-the-money rate. He graduated at the top of his class from of the Laffit Pincay Jr. Jockey School in Panama.
In a separate incident at the top of the stretch, Platitude fell, unseating jockey Marcelino Pedroza. Platitude, a 4-year-old son of Yes It's True trained by Tim Glyshaw for Steve Markwell, Brian McCormick, Fred Bleuel, was euthanized as a result of the fall. Pedroza not was taken to the hospital. Officials believe the two incidents were not related.
Due to two incidents on the track in different locations, the decision was made to cancel the ninth and final race on the program.
Additional details will be released as a result of the official board of steward's review.