Turf Paradise: Mitchell hopes to resume riding in a few weeks

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Rider Gallyn Mitchell, injured in a spill at Turf Paradise Dec. 23, is reportedly doing well and hopes to be back riding in a few weeks, according to his agent Denise Mitchell.

Mitchell, 50, was aboard Mark of Mischief in that day’s fifth race when his mount steadied in traffic turning for home and fell. Mitchell was then struck by another horse, You Make Me Blue, who couldn’t avoid the spill and fell as well.

Mitchell suffered a fracture in his spine, fractured ankle and some hearing loss in the accident.

Mitchell has 14 wins from 76 mounts this meet. He’s the all-time leading rider at Emerald Downs and had to have surgery after breaking his right hand in a gate accident there last Aug. 5.