Sanchez sustains concussion in spill

Mychel Sanchez was not seriously injured in a Monday spill at Parx Racing and could resume riding as soon as this weekend, according to his agent, retired rider Josiah Hampshire Jr.

Sanchez was thrown hard to the turf when his mount, Shake Things Up, appeared to break down entering the first turn of the 1 1/16-mile race. With Sanchez momentarily knocked out and lying in the center of the course, the outriders directed the riders of the remaining eight entrants to pull up their mounts in the stretch. The stewards declared the race a no-contest.

After regaining consciousness, Sanchez was placed on a stretcher and transported to Aria Health-Torresdale in Philadelphia. On Tuesday, Hampshire said Sanchez had not broken any bones in the spill but had a concussion.

Sanchez, a 21-year-old native of Venezuela, is second in the Parx standings with 71 wins. He has won 308 races since he began riding in 2013.

Shake Things Up was euthanized due to his injuries.

On Tuesday, the decision was made to close the turf course for the remainder of the year. According to track officials, the turf needs a rest, and repairs need to be made to the irrigation system.

This Saturday, Parx will run the $100,000 Plum Pretty Stakes, a 1 1/16-mile race for Pennsylvania-bred fillies and mares. The Plum Pretty has attracted Imply and Great Soul, who finished first and second in the Mrs. Penny Stakes at Parx, and Mama Jones and Power of Snunner, who both will be stretching back out in distance after finishing second and third in the six-furlong Dr. Teresa Garofalo Memorial.