KENTUCKY Derby-winning jockey Brian Hernandez Jr is fighting for life in hospital – as his heartbroken wife asked for family, friends and fans to ‘say extra prayers’.
The top rider suffered a devastating fall in the third race at Churchill Downs, home of the Derby, in Louisville, Kentucky on Sunday.
Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr, who won the 2024 Kentucky Derby on Mystik Dan, is fighting for life in hospital after a terrible fall left him with multiple injuriesGetty
The jockey’s wife Jamie told family, friends and fans to ‘please say extra prayers’
Hernandez was aboard the Kenny McPeek-trained two-year-old Sgt. Garcia when the horse got injured.
The colt threw Hernandez Jr forward – who suffered a catalogue of horrendous injuries from the impact.
Hernandez Jr’s wife Jamie took to social media to update fans on his condition on Sunday.
And she asked them to ‘say extra prayers’ for him as he lay in intensive care at the University of Louisiana Hospital.
Jamie wrote: “Brian had a fall today and currently is in the ICU at UofL.
“Thank you for the prayers. Please keep them coming.
“Seven broken ribs. Punctured lung. Lacerated liver with a bleed that was repaired via procedure.
“Some bleeding they are monitoring.
“Jockey life isn’t for the faint of heart. Physically and mentally draining.
“Hug your loved ones tight.
“Please say extra prayers for Brian.”
Hernandez Jr’s fall comes at a busy time of the season with mega money on the line.
He was due to ride Mystik Dan in the $500,000 Grade 2 Lukas Classic at Churchill Downs on Saturday.
While 2024 Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna, who Hernandez Jr won the Oaks on in 2024 as well, is due to return to the track at Keeneland, Kentucky, in the Grade 1 $650,000 Spinster Stakes on October 5.
The condition of Sgt. Garcia, as reported on Paulick Report, is not currently known.
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