Panici, Ortiz sidelined with injuries

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Two local jockeys with ties to three horses currently considered major players on the Kentucky Derby trail will be sidelined indefinitely after sustaining injuries in two separate riding mishaps occurring less than 24 hours apart here last week.

Luca Panici, the regular rider for both Sam F. Davis winner Sole Volante and Holy Bull runner-up Ete Indien, suffered a fractured collarbone after being thrown from his mount in last Friday’s finale. The following afternoon, Jose Ortiz was diagnosed with a slight fracture of his right wrist following an incident during the post parade of Saturday’s third event. Ortiz guided Independence Hall to easy wins in the Grade 3 Nashua and Jerome as well as his second-place finish to Sole Volante in the Sam Davis.

Panici returned to the jockeys’ room under his own power and seemingly none the worse for wear after falling from Terrible Tara after the 3-year-old filly swerved suddenly and hit the inner rail on the second turn of a one-mile maiden-claiming event. But after feeling a twinge in his shoulder a short while later, he went to the hospital where X-rays confirmed the injury.

“The doctors say he should be able to return in about four weeks,” said Kevin Meyocks, Panici’s agent. “But he’s going to see a specialist on Monday for a second opinion. Obviously, this couldn’t have come at a worse time as Luca has had a very good meet and also had the mounts on two top 3-year-olds, both of whom are currently on the Kentucky Derby trail.”

:: To stay up to date, follow us on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Florent Geroux will replace Panici here Saturday in the Fountain of Youth on Ete Indien and aboard Sole Volante when he makes his next start in the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby on March 14. Both horses are trained by Patrick Biancone.

Dean Reeves, who owns the majority interest in Sole Volante, said “we’re really disappointed that he [Panici] got injured. He fits this horse and has done such a great job. The way he’s handled this horse has been spectacular.”

Ortiz was tossed by his mount, the unraced Atone, moments after the pair stepped out on the racetrack but was able to remount and ride the rambunctious 3-year-old to a sixth-place finish in his debut. Ortiz immediately took off the remainder of his mounts on the card, and several hours later, X-rays revealed the extent his injury.

“He’ll see a specialist Tuesday or Wednesday, and we’ll be better able to update everyone then,” said Jimmy Riccio, Ortiz’s agent. “Young bones heal quickly. It’s only a slight fracture, so hopefully he’ll only miss two to three weeks.”

Ortiz was scheduled to ride Tacitus for trainer Bill Mott on Saturday in the $20 million Saudi Cup but has been replaced by Jose Lezcano. The connections of Independence Hall have not committed to his next start, with the Tampa Bay Derby among the most likely options.