Hernandez Jr. Injured in Sunday Fall at Churchill Downs

Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., who swept the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1), was injured Sept. 21 after a fall during the third race at Churchill Downs. Hernandez was aboard Craig Singer's 2-year-old homebred Sgt. Garcia in the maiden race for $30,000 claimers when the horse injured one of his front legs near the 5/16th pole, dislodging Hernandez. Trainer Kenny McPeek confirmed to BloodHorse Sept. 22 that the colt was euthanized. Hernandez was taken to the intensive care unit at the University of Louisville Hospital, according to his wife, Jamie, in a social media post Sunday night. Jamie Hernandez reported her husband sustained seven broken ribs, a punctured lung, a liver laceration that was repaired via a procedure, and some bleeding that is being monitored. He is expected to undergo surgery Sept. 23 to repair three displaced ribs. "Jockey life isn't for the faint of heart. Physically and mentally draining," Jamie Hernandez said in the post. "Thank you for the prayers. Please keep them coming." McPeek had a chance to speak with Hernandez Sunday night. "I was texting back and forth with him last night," McPeek said. "He was comfortable." Hernandez was scheduled to be aboard his Kentucky Derby winner, Mystik Dan, Sept. 27 in the $500,000 Lukas Classic Stakes (G2) and his Kentucky Oaks winner, Thorpedo Anna, in the $650,000 Spinster Stakes (G1) at Keeneland Oct. 5, as well as other mounts for McPeek in grade 1 company on Keeneland's opening weekend. McPeek said he has yet to make a decision on who will replace Hernandez in those races, but the jockey's brother, Colby, will pick up his mounts for McPeek on the Sept. 24 card at Churchill.