Golden Gate rider progresses

Jockey Sonny Ho continues to show improvement from a serious brain injury suffered March 1 when his horse suffered a fatal breakdown at Golden Gate Fields.

Ho, 44, has made "substantial progress" since Monday, according to Golden Gate's track physician, Dr. David Seftel.

The pneumonia Ho contracted while hospitalized is "under control," said Seftel, and he is breathing on his own. He has been removed from several critical life-support systems and is able to respond to commands and hold limited conversations.

Ho, who still does not have significant movement on his right side, was scheduled to undergo several tests Wednesday, including a brain scan.