Gann is thrown, breaks leg

Sandi Gann, the only female rider to win the Turf Paradise riding title, was recovering Monday after surgery to repair her left thigh, which was broken in an accident after the final race of Friday's card.

Gann had just ridden the favorite, Sky Hoof Hearted, to victory in the ninth race and was waiting to enter the winner's circle when the horse became startled and threw the rider off. Gann was not stepped on but said she felt her leg break when she hit the ground.

Gann underwent two hours of surgery to repair the fracture Saturday morning. The break reportedly will take up to eight weeks to heal, after which Gann will undergo therapy.

Gann, sixth in the Turf Paradise jockey standings at the time of the spill, topped the track's standings in 1992.