Perrodin being kept in intensive care

NEW ORLEANS - Veteran rider E.J. Perrodin remained in intensive care Saturday after being seriously injured before the 10th race on Friday at Fair Grounds when his mount reared, toppled over, and fell on him.

Perrodin lay immobile near the seven-furlong pole on the clubhouse turn of the Fair Grounds dirt track, and was transported by ambulance to Tulane Medical Center. Perrodin's agent, Tony Martin, said Perrodin was suffering from a cracked pelvis, broken ribs, and a lacerated liver. Perrodin, according to Martin, will need surgery on his pelvis, but the procedure will be delayed while bleeding caused by Perrodin's liver injury is monitored.

"He's hurt pretty bad," said Martin.

Perrodin, 50, began riding in 1974, and has long been among the top riders in Louisiana.