Jockey EDGAR ZENTENO, the 2024 leading rider at Fort Erie who has been doing well at the Woodbine meeting, has a broken left shoulder bone and a broken bone in his neck after a scary five-horse spill on Friday afternoon.
Zenteno’s agent, Madison Meli, updated racing fans and the public on Saturday morning. Two other riders, JUSTIN STEIN and DA-SEAN GASKIN were also transported to a nearby hospital following the accident.
Stein is reported to have a broken rib and three fractured vertebrae in his thoracic, but he will be able to recuperate from home.
All five horses involved reportedly walked off the track under their own power.
Late on the turn of the maiden claiming dash, the grey filly No Layups, with Zenteno aboard, had been pressing the pace in the two path, just inside of favoured Whiskey N Ice with Leo Salles and just ahead of Porshas Run (Austin Adams) on the rail. As Whisky N Ice edged clear by about three-quarters of a length, Zenteno stood up and was steadying his mount before suddenly falling.
Three fillies fell over No Layups, tossing their riders – Another Pinky (Gaskin) Magnetize (Crawford) and Mrs. Benjamin, while Claramente bobbled and lost Justin Stein.
Whiskey N Ice went on to win the race over Porshas Run and Scottys Love Chil, but was later disqualified and placed eighth. It was the third time that Whisky N Ice has been disqualified in eight races in her career.
Aebly and Crawford, not transported to the hospital, did take off their mounts for the remainder of the card.
The Senior Steward’s Report following the Friday races noted:
Stewards’ inquiry and Jockeys claim of foul in the vicinity of the 3/8 pole, #1 Porshas Run (Austin Adams), (finished second and was placed first) on #7 Whiskey N Ice (Leo Salles), (finished first and was disqualified). #7 finished first and was disqualified for causing interference to several horses in the vicinity of the 3/8 pole. Video clip is unavailable. The following Jockeys have been excused from the remainder of their mounts on today’s card. Juan Crawford, Edgar Zenteno, Da-Sean Gaskin, Justin Stein and Fraser Aebly.
Racing fans were relieved that riders and horses were generally okay, although many questioned on social media why the race was not declared ‘no contest’ by the AGCO stewards.
Stewards can declare a race no contest if they are unable to properly judge the running or finish of a race. Three of the eight horses did finish the race, while others ran loose.
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