When working with horses, it’s not a matter of if you get hurt; it’s when and how badly.
Molly Rollins, stable manager for John Ortiz Racing Stables and an assistant news editor for BloodHorse, was injured in a training accident April 26 at Keeneland. The accident occurred when the 2-year-old filly she was riding suddenly flipped as they were about to exit the track. According to a GoFundMe page set up on her behalf, Rollins sustained a fractured pelvis and suffered from internal bleeding.
Rollins said Monday that she's undergone two surgeries and will be in physical therapy for the foreseeable future.
“I love my racing family and this sport so much,” Rollins said. “It means the world to my family and I to receive everyone’s kindness and support through these challenging times.”
The 2-year-old filly was uninjured, and trained the next day.
Rollins began riding racehorses in 2012 at the age of 21. She has worked as an assistant trainer for Luis Carvajal, as well as an exercise rider for Mark Casse Racing Stables, and Herringswell Stables. Rollins has been stable manager with John Ortiz Racing Stables since November 2021.
While studying toward a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Journalism at Rutgers University in Camden, N.J., Rollins interned with Thoroughbred Daily News. Following graduation in 2020, she was hired as an assistant news editor with BloodHorse. Rollins covers events such as the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup races, contributes feature stories to BloodHorse magazine, and writes the weekly Maiden Watch column in BH Daily.
The GoFundMe page was established by Sandra Washington, John Ortiz’s assistant, to assist with Rollins’ medical costs.
