Mark Villa ~ RIP
 

Wow. Unbelievably sad.

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/nat...-Zia-Park.aspx

Very sad.

I had the honor of riding with and knowing Mark when I rode in Arizona, he was a stand up guy, prayers are with Krystal and the kids.

Man does that suck...

I rarely do this..but since Geeker did and Honula struck a chord,and Gooey posted it.....



..it is a very sad thing although I don't know this person ---of course.

But...I think that's enough.It is a bad thing.

:tro:

Too sad. Feels like it been a really rough patch of rider injuries and fatalities... Since they Guild started keeping records officially after WWII, the average fatality rate for riders is 2 per year, and that is just race riders in the afternoon. When you think about it, it doesn't sound like many given the work, but if you really think about it you realize it's horrific given the entire number of professional race riders in North America. I don't know how any of them do it, mornings and/or afternoons, in the face of the peril that is an instant away at every moment. Amazing.

I agree completely with Steve.
My condolances to his wife and children.
At least he died doing something he loved doing in his life.
R.I.P Mark Villa

http://www.macbethfund.org/about.htm

and many others that we should keep in mind after that big day at the races.

Just saw this. Really terrible and just another reminder how scary the sport can be. RIP Mark.

RIP.

Another one.




Stop it with the stupid RIPs!

Snide...nevermind.

The pilots are probably more at risk than the horses they ride every minute they are on duty.

Condolances to the family and all who knew Mark Villa.

"The fund is being coordinated through the Ruidoso Downs Race Track chaplaincy. Checks should be made out to "Race Track Chapel" and sent to the Ruidoso Downs Race Track Chapel, P.O. Box 449, Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico 88346. Please specify "Mark Villa family" in the memo line on the check."

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-raci...e-jockey-villa

Lest we forget...

http://www.pdjf.org/


All you have shall some day be given;
Therefore give now, that the season of giving
may be yours and not your inheritors.

~ Kahlil Gibran

Very touching. Thanks for sharing the article.