Barretts at Fairplex: Quinonez avoids serious injury in fall Saturday, agent says

POMONA, Calif. – Jockey Alonso Quinonez is believed to have sustained a hairline fracture of his tailbone after he went down in a spill Saturday at Barretts at Fairplex, agent Jerry Palermo said.

Preliminary reports Saturday suggested that Quinonez sustained head trauma. However, indications Sunday morning were more optimistic. The rider’s helmet was cracked, but it appears that he did not sustain serious head injury.

Quinonez was airlifted Saturday to Los Angeles County USC Medical Center, where he remained Sunday. Palermo, who was booking mounts for Quinonez during the Los Angeles County Fair meet, said Sunday, “He’s good, he’s talking. He’s going to be okay.”

Quinonez, 30, would be sidelined about five weeks with a tailbone fracture. Quinonez had won seven races from 58 mounts at Barretts, including a stakes victory on Luckarack in the Governor’s Cup Handicap.

Jockey Julien Couton also went down in the spill. He was transported Saturday to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center. His condition will be updated later Sunday.

The spill occurred in the 12th and final race Saturday when Quinonez’s mount, Bright Town, clipped heels and stumbled. Miss Purple Rain, ridden by Couton, was unable to avoid the spill and unseated Couton.

Stewards disqualified original fourth-place finisher I’m No Patsy for interference on the turn, which led to the spill. I’m No Patsy was ridden by Irving Orozco.