Humboldt rider out of hospital

Jockey Myra Truitt was released from St. Joseph's Hospital on Monday after suffering two fractured vertebrae in her neck in a spill during Sunday's first race at the Humboldt County Fair, according to a report in the Times-Standard of Eureka, Calif.

Truitt, 37, suffered a torn muscle in her back but was found to have no internal injuries after a series of X-rays taken Sunday.

Truitt was aboard Jahmike, who apparently had a heart attack entering the first turn of the five-furlong race. Truitt was tossed clear but hit the surface head-first before crawling to the edge of the track.

Truitt is expected to sidelined for at least two months. She planned to return to her home in Grants Pass, Ore., for therapy.

Jahmike was euthanized shortly after the spill.

The race was declared no contest by the stewards since other jockeys pulled their mounts up to avoid the fallen horse.

"I'm just thankful that the injuries were not more serious," said Truitt. "I'll just go home and get a lot of rest."