NEW YORK (AP) — Jockey Eddie Castro suffered a hairline fracture of his L1 vertebra in a spill on Saturday at Belmont Park.
The New York Racing Association jockey advocate said there was no resulting compression on Castro’s nerves and his spinal column remains aligned. He is listed in stable condition at North Shore University Hospital.
It is unlikely Castro will need surgery. He expected to recover in a back brace and is scheduled for release from the hospital on Tuesday. There is no timetable for his return to riding.
Tied for tenth in the Belmont fall meet standings, Castro was injured when his mount, Royal Brush, broke down in the fourth race. Castro was rushed to the hospital where initial x-rays of his neck were negative. Additional examinations revealed the injury.
Royal Brush suffered a fractured left front leg, and was euthanized.
