Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. in ICU after fall at Churchill Downs

Brian Hernandez Jr., the 39 year old jockey who won the 2024 Kentucky Derby, was hospitalized in intensive care after being thrown from his mount during the third race at Churchill Downs on Sunday, his wife and racing officials said. Hernandez was transported to the University of Louisville Hospital after Sgt Garcia, a 2 year old colt trained by Kenny McPeek, suffered an injury during the six furlong race. His wife, Jamie Hernandez, said he sustained seven broken ribs, a punctured lung and a lacerated liver with bleeding that was repaired by procedure, and that some bleeding remained under observation.

The accident occurred after a morning workout in which Hernandez had exercised Mystik Dan at Churchill Downs ahead of a scheduled ride in the Grade 2 Lukas Classic. According to the Equibase chart, Sgt Garcia "hopped and was brushed by an inner rival at the start" and dislodged Hernandez at the five sixteenths pole. Other accounts described the horse suffering a problem on the far turn; media reports said the colt was removed from the track in an equine ambulance. Reports on the exact point in the race where Hernandez fell varied, and initial accounts gave limited information on...