River Downs: Tough break for Moran

Shelly Moran had no idea she had a broken bone in her foot when she won the fifth race aboard Crafty Cowboy on Friday at River Downs, but knew that "it hurt a lot."

Moran was thrown from Shovel Pass when he flipped in the starting gate in the third race, injuring her foot. The severity of the injury wasn't known until after her brother Scott, who owns and trains Crafty Cowboy, carried her on his back to the jocks' room after the win picture. Moran then went to the hospital, where X-rays revealed the fracture.

When asked why she rode the fifth race, Moran said, "I am just stubborn and determined, and I thought he would run well."

Crafty Cowboy won by 4 1/4 lengths, and returned $19.60.

After three days off, Moran came back to ride Tuesday.

"I wrapped it and will take it as it goes," she said. "I'll try to keep off it. It hurts less when I am riding than walking."

* Saturday's Jockeys Across America Day was a big success. Gabrielle Rechy, a valet, won the jockey foot race to start the day off. One person who bid $160 threw a pie in the face of Kentucky Derby-winning jockey and now steward Mike Manganello. A total of well over $2,000 was raised for the Don MacBeth Memorial Fund.

* This Saturday is Family Fun Day. The eighth annual event will have a "Pirates of the Downs" theme. There will be a contest for best dressed pirate, treasure bags for the first 200 kids, games, and a treasure hunt. Patrons can register to win a family prize pack, which includes tickets for Reds games, an amusement park or movie passes. The event is scheduled from 1-4 p.m.

* River Downs will also hold a benefit smoker Saturday for the Adventures for Wish Kids Fund. For a $25 donation, patrons receive a luncheon with soft drinks, a program, a tip sheet, a packet of handmade cigars, and raffle items.