Prather hurts shoulder, out again

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Apprentice rider Kris Prather has an injured shoulder and will be out indefinitely, agent Steve Elzey said Thursday.

Elzey said Prather "pulled her shoulder out of joint when a horse wheeled on her" during June 7 training hours. "She put it back in herself, but it's been hurting her ever since."

Prather, 22, was scheduled to meet with Dr. Ray Shea, Louisville orthopedist, on Thursday.

Elzey said that arthroscopic surgery was possible but that Shea said he was optimistic Prather would not be sidelined for a lengthy period of time.

The injury is the second this year for Prather, who led all North American jockeys in wins for the first several months. Prather returned June 6 after having been away since March 17 because of knee injuries suffered at Turfway Park.

From just several days of riding, Prather had already ridden four winners since returning - three at Churchill Downs and one at River Downs. Her 2001 victory total stands at 114.