Jose Ortiz, Jalon Samuel escape spills uninjured
ELMONT, N.Y. – Jockeys Jose Ortiz and Jalon Samuel are expected to return to action this week after avoiding injury in separate mishaps on Sunday’s card.
Ortiz was unseated when Happy Happy B broke down just before the wire in the $150,000 Bertam F. Bongard Stakes. Happy Happy B had to be euthanized. Ortiz went to the hospital where X-rays on his left ankle were negative.
Ortiz, the leading rider at the meet with 10 wins, was not named to ride Thursday, owing to previous plans. He is expected to return on Friday.
Samuel was unseated by his mount, Theregoesmymiracle, when his irons broke after finishing third in Sunday’s third race. Samuel also went to the hospital to get checked out and is cleared to ride Thursday. Theregoesmymiracle was uninjured.