Berrio released from hospital to begin recovery from stroke

ARCADIA, Calif. - Jockey Omar Berrio was released from Arcadia Methodist Hospital on Saturday evening, two days after suffering a stroke, according to trainer and close friend A.C. Avila.

Berrio suffered the stroke just hours after winning Thursday’s feature race on the Avila-trained Celtic Princess.

Avila said on Sunday that Berrio will undergo therapy in coming days to assess his physical condition, which will determine how long the 42-year-old rider will need to recover.

Berrio rides primarily for Avila. In 2010, Berrio rode Made for Magic to a win in the Grade 2 Milady Handicap and Go Forth North in the Grade 3 Harold Ramser Handicap, both for Avila.

For the 2010 season, Berrio won 23 races from 159 mounts, just a year after returning from a suspension for a cocaine positive. A native of Panama, Berrio has ridden since he was 19.