After Equestrian Jockey Suffers Injury, Racing Commission Calls Off Final Five Events

Remington Park, Oklahoma is known to be one of the most prestigious destinations for horse racing. The venue annually hosts the Thoroughbred season lasting from August to December. As the racing continued with its weekly stakes on Wednesday, the equestrian grounds stood to witness an unlikely accident; leading to a halt of breaks on the day’s proceedings.

On the 18th of October, Remington Park was scheduled to host a total of 9 races for the day. However, Oklahoma’s most sought-after venue witnessed an accident incurred by one of the jockeys during the 4th race of the evening. The unexpected occurrence obliged the committee to ensure the safety of the equestrians present and consider the incidents sustained.

Renowned equestrian faces unforeseen circumstance

Jockey Gustavo Herrera is a well-known name in the horse racing community. The Multiple Stakes Placed Jockey started his career back in 2018 and has marked a total of 1,360 starts through 2023. However, as the equestrian mounted the equine Princess Ball for the fourth race at Remington Park, Herrera could not reach the finish line.

The field for the fourth race moved through the tunnel from the saddling paddock to the race track; reports Paulick Report. While leaving the tunnel, Princess Ball flipped and landed on top of the rider. Following the accident, Herrera was moved to the University of Oklahoma Medical Center. The reports stated that the jockey suffered a cracked tibia and needed surgery. Though the 30-year-old currently rests at the hospital, he will further require another surgery to address a crack in his hip socket.

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Herrera’s current position will require him to stay off the ground for at least three or four months. The severe accident called for a strong decision from the committee at the Remington Park.

Officials put safety first

The officials on track called for a meeting after the unlikely occurrences of the 4th race. The committee included track management, jockeys, and Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission stewards. After the meeting, the track announced that the Remington Park races would be coming to a halt for the day. As the venue was scheduled to host 9 races, the remaining 5 were announced to be canceled.

The Remington Park remains open to wagers, 18 years and older without an admission fee. Though Wednesday’s races haven’t been rescheduled, the current calendar will carry out until faced with further obstacles. Friday and Saturday races fall next on the list. Friday the 20th’s night program will feature the 31 Oklahoma Classics night of stakes racing for top Oklahoma-breds. The process will be repeated again next week as races take ground on 25th.

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