Coa slowly regaining movement in arms, legs

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Jockey Eibar Coa, severely injured in a riding mishap following the conclusion of the sixth race at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 18, has regained significant movement in both his upper and lower body according to his agent Tito Fuentes.

Fuentes said Coa is moving his arms and his legs and is sitting up in bed and speaking clearly.

“Eibar is still not able to get out of bed and walk but he is wiggling his legs around like crazy and is making good progress,” said Fuentes. “His spirits are excellent and at the moment his prognosis is very good.”

Coa was recently moved to the Rehabilitation Center at Memorial Regional Hospital South in Hollywood.

Coa also received good news earlier this week when informed that domestic violence charges pending against him from an incident which took place on Jan. 31 have been dismissed by the State Attorney, according to documents obtained from the Broward County Sheriff’s office.

Coa was arrested early on the morning of Jan. 31 after his wife Rebecca contacted police and reported a fight at their home. He was released later that evening.

Coa, a native of Venezuela, won more than 4,000 races and purses in excess of $129 million during his riding career. His most important win came last fall when he guided Big Drama to victory in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.