Jockey Clark out of hospital after scary spill

Jockey Kerwin Clark was released from the University Medical Center in New Orleans on Tuesday to his home in the New Orleans area, his agent, Charles Ashy Jr., said Wednesday.

Clark went down in an ugly three-horse accident during the eighth race March 15 at Fair Grounds. Clark’s mount, Ellashoo, broke down on the far turn of the dirt sprint while on the lead and racing along the fence, leading to a chain reaction involving two trailing horses.

Clark broke at least one rib, which led to a collapsed lung, and broke his jaw, an injury that required extensive surgery March 16. Clark had a breathing tube inserted into his chest, but that was removed Tuesday, Ashy said.

Clark, 58, has ridden more than 3,000 North American winners in a career that began in 1976 and included stints overseas.

◗ Calamity Jane should get the strong early and middle pace she needs to get up for a second straight win in the featured eighth race Friday. The feature is a turf-sprint allowance with a $35,000 claiming option and is restricted to Louisiana-bred fillies and mares. The field is packed with speed elements, and Calamity Jane should be rolling late under Jack Gilligan.

◗ Testing One Two has been cross-entered in the Fair Grounds Oaks and the Crescent City Oaks on Saturday’s card, and is likely to start in the latter race, according to Fair Grounds racing officials. Marmello has been cross-entered in a maiden race and the Louisiana Derby, is likely for the derby.