Emerald Downs: Jockey Gallyn Mitchell suffers heart attack

Jockey Gallyn Mitchell, the all-time leader in wins, stakes wins, and earnings at Emerald Downs, had three stents implanted Monday after suffering a heart attack at his home near Enumclaw, Wash.

Mitchell, 50, remained in the intensive care unit at MultiCare Auburn Medical Center on Tuesday, according to his wife and jockey agent Denise Mitchell.

Denise Mitchell told Emerald Downs track officials that her husband’s spirits were good and that he was seeing visitors.

“So far, so good,” Denise Mitchell said. “They could move him out of ICU soon.”

Mitchell has ridden 1,347 winners at Emerald Downs and is the only jockey to ride all 18 seasons at the track, including seven mounts opening weekend. He is a two-time winner of the Longacres Mile and is a 2013 finalist for the Washington Racing Hall of Fame.

Mitchell began riding in 1980 and has won 2,628 races and has mount earnings of $20.4 million.