Canterbury Park: Groom dies from injuries sustained in saddling accident

SHAKOPEE, Minn. – Jorge Ortega, a groom at Canterbury Park, died Monday at Hennepin County Medical Center from injuries sustained in an accident while saddling a horse Sept. 12.

Ortega, 56, was handling Demidoffs Prospect, trained and owned by Mohamed El Deeb, when the horse reared, pushing Ortega into a wall. Ortega, of Laredo, Texas, is survived by a wife and daughter.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Ortega’s family and friends during this time of mourning,” Canterbury Park Chief Executive Randy Sampson said. “This was a tragic accident. Each summer, trainers employ many dedicated workers in the stable area, and they all join our employees to become members of the extended Canterbury family, so we all feel the pain of this loss.”

A memorial fund has been established by the Minnesota Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and Canterbury Park to assist the family. Contributions can be made for Jorge Garcia Ortega through Voyager Bank, 500 Marschall Road, Shakopee, Minn., 55379.