Cedillo out of hospital, will see doctor next week

Jockey Abel Cedillo, who suffered a fractured bone in his neck in a one-horse spill shortly after the start of the fourth race at Del Mar on Sunday, was released from a local hospital on Monday evening.

Cedillo said on Wednesday morning that he has a doctor’s appointment next week, around the same time he hopes to begin physical therapy. Doctors have told Cedillo that his recovery will take four to six weeks.

“I’m better, but a little pain,” Cedillo said. “I’m home and I’m recovering.”

Cedillo said he plans to stay in the Del Mar area in coming weeks.

Cedillo was injured after his mount, Get the Gold, clipped heels when the runner to his outside, Silver N Black, drifted inside sharply at the start. Get the Gold fell, with Cedillo landing sharply on his left side.

The incident occurred in front of the stands at the start of a one-mile race. Cedillo remained on the track until members of the gate crew quickly carried him into the adjacent winner’s circle. Earlier this week, Cedillo faulted the gate crew’s decision to move him off the track.

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“I think it was a mistake,” he said. “They shouldn’t have touched me.”

Ambulance personnel attended to Cedillo in the winner’s circle and fitted him with a neck brace before transporting him to a local hospital.

Cedillo, 34, has won 25 races from 203 mounts this year. He has won 1,595 races since his career began in 2009.

Trainer Kristin Mulhall said on Monday that Get the Gold emerged from the incident unscathed.

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