05/12/2011 6:25PM

Evangeline Downs: Hebert sustains multiple injuries in spill

By C.A. Shoemaker
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OPELOUSAS, La. - Jockey Tracy Hebert was badly injured at Evangeline Downs on Wednesday evening when his mount fell and Hebert was hit by a trailing horse. Hebert is in Opelousas General Hospital with multiple injuries, including two punctured lungs, a broken breastbone, and a broken nose. He also broke all of the ribs on his left side, according to his agent, Huey Lyons.

Hebert, a Louisiana native, was aboard Mimi's Best when the 3-year-old filly fell while beginning to move on the far turn in the 10th and final race on the card.

"He was slammed to the ground, then the other horse couldn't avoid him," Lyons said of Stormin on Top, who unseated Roberto Villafan in the incident.

Villafan has taken off of Thursday's mounts because of soreness, but will ride Friday, said his agent, Angel Cordero.

Hebert, 48, who has 14 wins at the young meet, good for fourth place, has 3,426 career wins through Wednesday's racing.

"Tracy was in ICU overnight but should be going to a regular room on Thursday," Lyons said. "It's impossible to speculate right now when he'll be back."