Russell to have surgery for internal bleeding

Although jockey Sheldon Russell, who was injured in a spill at Pimlico last Saturday, seemed to be improving Tuesday, he is scheduled for surgery Thursday.

Russell, who fractured ribs and punctured a lung in the spill, has some internal bleeding, and the purpose of the surgery is to locate the source of the bleeding and stop it. According to Russell’s agent, Marty Leonard, the surgeons will use a scope with a camera to find out where the bleeding is originating.

Russell was injured in last Saturday’s fifth race, a five-furlong turf sprint for $20,000 claiming horses. He was running near the back of the pack nearing the turn when a horse along the inside, S S Skittles, lugged out, forcing Who Dat Boy into Russell’s mount Political Farce. Russell’s mount appeared to clip heels and fell.

Russell, 27, was the leading rider at the Laurel Park winter/spring meet, which concluded March 29, and is currently fourth in the Pimlico standings. He won his 1,000th career race on March 7.