Pair of Parx jockeys rehabbing after painful spill
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Jockeys Francisco Martinez and Jorge Vargas Jr. are working toward returns to the saddle after sustaining injuries in a spill at Parx Racing last month. Both riders are receiving treatment and hope to return to racing in May.
Martinez and Vargas were unseated in the third race on Feb. 5 at Parx. Vargas was riding 5-year-old mare Sudoku Terry when the horse fell on the first turn, causing a spill that took down Martinez and 4-year-old filly Alma Brilha.
Alma Brilha managed to run off and was collected by an outrider, but Sudoku Terry had to be euthanized. Both jockeys were taken to the hospital.
According to Kevin Bubser, Vargas’s agent, the jockey is going to physical therapy twice a week to repair damage to his right knee. These sessions will continue for four more weeks, after which he will receive another consultation. If cleared, the earliest he could return to racing is early May.
Jockey’s agent Richard Englander said that Martinez also is aiming for a return in early May. Shortly after the incident, the 31-year-old apprentice attempted to return to exercise riding but was still experiencing pain. Subsequent medical tests revealed that he suffered three broken ribs during the fall. The injury was not spotted during his initial hospital visit.
“One was a severely broken rib, and that’s why he had so much trouble breathing and was in so much pain,” Englander said.
For now, Martinez is spending time with his family and taking time to naturally recover. He will visit a pulmonary doctor on April 8 to help prepare for his return.
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