Four-horse spill at La. Downs

BOSSIER CITY, La. - Three Louisiana Downs riders were transported to a local hospital following a nasty spill in Thursday's fifth race. The four horses directly involved in the incident all escaped serious injury and were walked off the turf course.

Colby Hernandez appeared the most seriously injured when his mount, Battle of Flowers, clipped heels late in the turn of the five-furlong turf sprint throwing him to the ground. Iram Diego on board Miss Kiran was unable to avoid the fallen horse and also went down along with Roberto Villafan on board Aly Mon and Gerard Melancon on Mizzen to Me.

Hernandez, Villafan, and Diego were taken to nearby Willis Knighton Medical Center for treatment while Melancon suffered only minor injuries. Two units of Bossier City Paramedics aided the track's medical staff.