Jockey Cabrera breaks femur, undergoes surgery
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Jockey David Cabrera will likely be sidelined until early next year after breaking his femur during Thursday night’s seventh race at Remington Park in Oklahoma City.
Cabrera was injured during the stretch drive when thrown from his mount, Outlining, who continued on to the wire. Cabrera underwent surgery Friday afternoon, according to his agent, Jose Santos Jr.
“I spoke to him this morning and he’s in good spirits,” Santos said. “Of course, he’s bummed out about what happened.”
Cabrera was contending for the riding title at Remington, where he ranks second in the standings. He has won multiple titles at the Oklahoma City track, and makes his home in nearby Jones, Okla.
Santos said Cabrera was in Oklahoma University Medical Center and could be released as early as Saturday. He said the injury site is a little above the knee. Santos said the rider checked out fine otherwise, including passing multiple head scans.
“Just a clean break on the femur,” Santos said.
Santos said Cabrera is looking forward to getting back to the races and more will be known about the timeline for his return after talking to doctors following the surgery.
Cabrera is expected to miss the remainder of the Remington meet that runs through Dec. 15 and the start of the Oaklawn meet that opens Dec. 8.
“The first thing he told me is he wants to get back as soon as possible,” Santos said, adding the rider plans to follow all doctor recommendations for a full recovery.
“Jockeys find a way to heal fast, heal quicker than the average person,” Santos said. “They are truly incredible athletes.
“He was really on a roll, with real aspirations of trying to win this meet [title].”
Cabrera plans to recuperate at home in Jones, Okla.
“They said probably tomorrow he’ll be able to get home and relax with his family,” Santos said.
Cabrera has won 1,717 races from 10,137 starts for career mount earnings of more than $44 million. His first win came in 2013.
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