Hollywood Park: John Johny Jak injured ater winning Kerlan Memorial

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - John Johny Jak finished first in Sunday’s $70,800 Robert Kerlan Memorial Handicap at Betfair Hollywood Park, but was pulled up with a shoulder injury while galloping out.

John Johny Jack was transported by horse ambulance to trainer Kristin Mulhall’s stable for evaluation. An hour after the race, Mulhall said that every effort was being made to save John Johny Jak.

The Kerlan Handicap, run over six furlongs on turf, was John Johny Jak’s first start since a fourth in the Grade 2 Citation Handicap here last November. He underwent colic surgery last winter before returning to training earlier this year.

Ridden by Rafael Bejarano, John Johny Jak ($16.40) ran six furlongs in 1:08.63. He closed from fifth in a field of eight between horses in the stretch to win by 1 3/4 lengths over Obviously, the 5-2 second choice.

Comma to the Top, the 9-5 favorite, held third after setting an early pace of 23.17 and 45.34 seconds.

Owned by Kretz Racing, John Johny Jak has won 9 of 25 starts and $342,279. A 5-year-old ridgling, John Johny Jak won two restricted stakes on turf last year – the Harry Brubaker at Del Mar and the Lure Stakes at Hollywood Park.