Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby winner Brian Hernandez Jr is in intensive care with multiple injuries after suffering a horrer fall at Churchill Downs on Sunday
Kentucky Derby-winning jockey, Brian Hernandez Jr, is currently in intensive care with multiple injuries following a fall at Churchill Downs on Sunday.
Horse racing hero Hernandez made history in 2024 by becoming only the eighth person to ride the winners of both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, and the first to do so since 2009.
He clinched the Oaks on board subsequent US Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna and the Derby on Mystik Dan. On Sunday morning, the 39-year-old jockey was seen breezing Mystik Dan at Churchill Downs in preparation for his next scheduled start in the Grade 2 Lukas Classic on Saturday.
However, disaster struck during the third race later that day when Hernandez was thrown from his mount, Sgt Garcia, who suffered an injury on the far turn.
The horse was promptly removed from the track in an equine ambulance, while Hernandez was rushed to the University of Louisville Hospital.
Hernandez’s wife, Jamie, provided an update on her husband’s condition on Sunday night. The father-of-three, who has ridden more than 2,700 winners, is currently in the ICU.
Jamie shared: “Brian had a fall today and currently is in the ICU at UofL. Thank you for the prayers. Please keep them coming.”
She detailed her husband’s injuries as “7 broken ribs, punctured lung, lacerated liver with a bleed that was repaired via procedure, some bleeding they are monitoring”.
In a heartfelt plea, Jamie added: “Jockey life isn’t for the faint of heart. Physically and mentally draining. Hug your loved ones tight. Please say extra prayers for Brian tonight.”
Among the responses, one heartfelt message read: “Brian Hernandez one of the true riders in this game who gives his best. Prayers for full recovery.”
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