Jockey Bowen thrown at gate, will miss remainder of Oaklawn meet

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Jockey Rocco Bowen will likely miss the remainder of the Oaklawn Park meet after fracturing his pelvis in a Saturday incident behind the starting gate, according to his agent, Gene Short.

The season runs through May 6.

Bowen, 33, was injured in the eighth race, when his mount, the maiden Paid Double, reared up while being loaded into the gate, throwing the rider. Bowen found himself pinned against the gate, said Short.

Doctors on Saturday night told Bowen and Short that Bowen fractured his pelvis in five different places, but that all of his organs were in place.

“Hopefully, he won’t have to have surgery,” Short said Saturday night. “He’ll go through rehab, be back up in six weeks.”

Short is hopeful Bowen could start getting back on horses at the end of the meet at Oaklawn. He said the rider was planning to base at Presque Isle after Oaklawn.

Bowen was taken to a local hospital following the incident and will remain there overnight, said Short.

“They want to watch him,” said Short.

“He’s young, healthy – hopefully he’ll heal quick.

Paid Double was a late scratch Saturday.

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