Gulfstream Park's leading rider Paco Lopez to be out at least another week

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Leading rider Paco Lopez will remain sidelined for at least another week due to injuries sustained in the spill here last Friday that also left Eibar Coa hospitalized with a broken neck.

According to his agent, Cory Moran, Lopez has some ligament and soft tissue soreness and will need at least one more week off to recuperate. Lopez suffered a chip in his elbow in the incident that occurred as the horses were pulling up shortly after the conclusion of Friday's sixth race. Lopez visited a specialist on Monday and was given an MRI to determine the exact extent of his injuries.

“Paco will need at least another week off depending upon his progress,” said Moran.

Lopez currently leads the jockey standings at Gulfstream Park with 38 victories entering Wednesday's program, nine more than John Velazquez who is second.