Albarado has surgery after fracturing wrist in spill

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Jockey Robby Albarado will be sidelined indefinitely after undergoing surgery Sunday evening for a fractured left wrist suffered in a spill earlier in the day at Churchill Downs.

Albarado was injured during the second race when his mount, Dennis’ Moment, appeared to clip heels when in a tight spot next to the inner rail when passing the half-mile pole. Albarado was dislodged, falling hard on his left side.

Albarado’s wife, Paige, said Monday morning that surgery went well at Norton Brownsboro Hospital and that her husband was resting comfortably at home. Further diagnosis will be needed to determine how long Albarado will be out of action.

Dennis’ Moment, a 2-year-old making his first start, was not injured, nor were any other jockeys or horses. A stewards’ inquiry resulted in no disqualifications.

This is just the latest of numerous injuries for Albarado in nearly 30 years of riding. In 2011 he sustained facial injuries in a post-parade incident a few days before the Kentucky Derby, and he was replaced by John Velazquez after having been named on the eventual winner, Animal Kingdom.

Albarado, 45, has 5,188 wins and was the regular rider of two Horse of the Year honorees, Mineshaft (2003) and Curlin (2007-08). In 2019, he has 15 wins from 256 mounts. He had intended to ride primarily at Ellis Park over the next two months prior to the opening of Kentucky Downs on Aug. 31.