Fairmount jock shows improvement

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. - Jockey Chris Quinn, who had been comatose as ta result of a spill at Fairmount Park on July 19, has shown movement, and his condition at St. Louis University Hospital has been upgraded from critical to serious. Last weekend Quinn was weaned off a ventilator that had been aiding his breathing since the accident.

Quinn suffered severe head injuries after his mount, Wiley Hunt, clipped heels on the turn, throwing Quinn to the ground. Quinn was then run over by the trailing Golden Fifty. Quinn was first taken to nearby Anderson Hospital, then flown to St. Louis University.

Quinn, 41, spent several weeks in a drug-induced coma, during which time doctors performed two operations on his brain.

Quinn's fiancee, Sheila Meachum, said, "On Aug. 10, he opened his eyes, but we can't tell for sure if he recognizes us. He is awake and is able to move his arms and legs, but the best the doctors can tell us is the outlook is strictly day-to-day."

Last week the Ladies Auxiliary of the Illinois Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association held a raffle for Quinn that raised $4,500. On Saturday night, a race was named in Quinn's honor and a ceremony was held in the winner's circle with members of the Fairmount jockey colony in attendance.