Update on Calder spill Monday

Jockeys Jermaine Bridgmohan, Ray Fuentes and Jeffrey Sanchez escaped serious injury on Monday when Bridgmohan’s horse suffered a catastrophic injury in the last race at Calder.

The apprentice’s mount, Watch Me Flash, broke down in the stretch while on the lead, throwing Bridgmohan over her head and to the ground. As a result of the accident, Fuentes was also thrown from his mount, Molly McGee, as was Sanchez from Aurora Ridge.

Bridgmohan and Fuentes walked off the track on their own accord, but Sanchez was taken to the hospital immediately for examination. Bridgmohan and Fuentes have both returned to ride in races at Calder on Wednesday, but Sanchez is off his mounts due to a swollen right eye.

Sanchez’ agent Bernie Gonzalez said, “He is unable to ride because his eye is swollen shut. He’s putting ice on it, but he can’t open his eye. There’s a big scratch over it. It’s better today than yesterday and he should be fine soon. He’s very lucky and we’re very thankful that he didn’t get seriously hurt.”

It was the first spill for Bridgmohan, 18, who just started race riding this year and is currently the leading jockey of the Tropical Park meet.

“That was my first bad one,” said Bridgmohan on Wednesday. “My back’s sore. I went to the chiropractor yesterday and had some acupuncture. I’ll continue with that treatment until I feel better.

“I’ve never had something like that happen before,” Bridgmohan continued. “I’m trying not to think about it. I watched the replay once and I don’t want to see it anymore.”

Both Molly McGee and Aurora Ridge were uninjured, but Watch Me Flash was euthanized due to the seriousness of her injury.