Jockey Daniel Centeno tweeted July 23 that he fractured his right ankle in a starting gate accident at Delaware Park and would miss at least six weeks of riding.
The 48-year-old native of Caracas, Venezuela, has ridden regularly in the United States since 2003 following a short stint in the U.S. in 1996. After initially riding at Calder Race Course (now Gulfstream Park West), he relocated to Tampa Bay Downs, where he became a six-time leading jockey. He was second in the standings there this year behind Antonio Gallardo, guiding Jehozacat to victory in the Lambhold South Endeavour Stakes (G3T) in one of his meet highlights.
During the summer and fall months when Tampa Bay Downs does not race, Centeno rides in the Mid-Atlantic. This month he has ridden mostly at Delaware Park and occasionally at Laurel Park and Monmouth Park.
According to Theracingbiz.com, Centeno was injured prior to the third race at Delaware Park July 22 after his mount, Ladneedsahandler, became fractious in the gate before the start. Ladneedsahandle ultimately raced under Alexander Crispin, finishing fourth.
Centeno was replaced aboard his scheduled mounts at Delaware Park Wednesday and July 23. He had also been booked for rides at Delaware July 25 and at Colonial Downs on its opening day, July 27—mounts accepted prior to his injury that will now go to other riders.
Centeno has ridden 2,976 winners in North America from 16,179 rides with his mounts earning in excess of $59.9 million, according to Equibase.
