Following a six-horse spill Sept. 19 at Churchill Downs that sent three jockeys to the hospital, riders Martin Garcia and Walter Rodriguez will miss time in the saddle.
The incident occurred during the second race when Lutkenhaus, ridden by Cristian Torres, sustained a catastrophic injury to his left front leg, with five horses behind him losing their riders as they attempted to avoid the fallen horse. Lutkenhaus was humanely euthanized following evaluation by on-track veterinarians, according to Churchill Downs Incorporated equine medical director Dr. Will Farmer. The race was declared a 'No Contest' by the stewards and the other five horses returned to the barn area.
READ: Spill at Churchill Causes Injuries; Declared No Contest
Torres, Garcia, and Rodriguez were all taken to the hospital and will be off their mounts Sept. 20. Torres reported on X late Saturday night that his CT scan, MRI, and X-ray "came out clear." He said there are no broken bones, but that his back and shoulders were sore from horses running over him.
Agent Jake Romans told Churchill Downs publicity that Garcia incurred a rib injury. Reached by BloodHorse late Sunday morning, Romans said he did not have any further details about the injury or the length of time Garcia may be out. Agent Cliff Collier told Churchill Downs publicity that Rodriguez had concussion-like symptoms and is expected to be sidelined for about a month.
Meanwhile, jockey Florent Geroux returned home Saturday, according to Churchill Downs publicity, following a nine-day stay at University of Louisville Hospital after breaking several ribs in a fall Sept. 10.
