Andrew Lakeman critically hurt in spill; Testimonial fillyOK

[Toccet02]

Jockey Lakeman in critical condition after spill at Belmont

Jockey Andrew Lakeman was in critical condition at North Shore University Hospital on Friday evening after being injured in a spill during the fourth race at Belmont Park, according to a spokesperson for the Manhasset, New York, hospital.

The nature of Lakeman’s injuries were not disclosed.

Lakeman was aboard Our Montana Dream in the one-mile maiden special weight race on turf for New York-bred fillies and mares. The Testimonial filly clipped heels on the far turn with Irish Senorita, unseating Lakeman.

First time starter Lady Alice with jockey Norberto Arroyo Jr. aboard fell over Our Montana Dream and Lakeman.

Arroyo declined to go to the hospital and asked to see his own doctor.

Both Our Montana Dream and Lady Alice appeared to be uninjured following the race. John Candlin, owner-trainer of Our Montana Dream, who is winless in nine starts, said the filly had some cuts and bruises.

[Toccet02]

I always DVR Belmont replays, so I saw this race last night.
I cannot believe the two fillies are not seriously injured. They must be made of steel.
Our Montana Dream ran right up on the heels of the main pack, tripped and fell, slamming her head to the ground and rolling over.
The other filly, a FIRST-TIME starter, Alice something (see above), fell over Our Montana Dream and kind of slid on her neck and shoulder for a long long way while Arroyo rolled several times.
Nasty spill. One of the worst-looking I've seen.
I've heard no jockey updates; has anybody?

[UmmYeah]

Last I heard, he was on a respirator. That is never a good sign...

[UmmYeah]

Injured rider upgraded
By DAVID GRENING
Jockey Andrew Lakeman, badly injured in a spill at Belmont Park on May 25, was upgraded from critical to guarded condition critical at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y.

"None of his injuries are life-threatening," said Terry Lynan, a spokesman for North Shore.

Still, it is unclear whether Lakeman suffered paralysis as a result of spill. Lakeman, 32, sustained severe spinal cord damage and a fractured chest as a result of the spill, in which his mount, Our Montana Dream, clipped heels with another horse approaching the stretch of a turf race. Lakeman was hurled from his mount, landing hard on his face. Jockey Norberto Arroyo Jr. was also involved in the spill and broke his collarbone.

Lakeman, who worked as an exercise rider for Allen Jerkens and rode infrequently for Jerkens and other trainers, remains in the intensive care unit of the hospital. His parents were due in from England this weekend.

[ct2346]

Thank you for providing updates on this. I'm hoping this kid pulls out of this okay. Life comes at you pretty fast.

[mightyhijames]

this is in the racing form on-line. what a dangerous sport this is.

http://www.drf.com/news/article/85793.html

[Toccet02]

Oh, God.

Paralyzed waist down.