Second-winningest jockey Del-Cid injured, likely done for the year

Jockey Vicente Del-Cid, who ranks as the second-leading rider in wins in North America, will likely miss the remainder of the year due to facial fractures sustained in a spill Saturday night at Delta Downs in Vinton, La.

Agent Louis Coco said Del-Cid is expected to be sidelined for approximately four to six weeks. The rider was to meet with doctors Tuesday about surgery to address his injuries. Del-Cid sustained a broken bone around one of his eyes as well as a broken nose when his mount, Luck of the Stars, fell and he was thrown.

Del-Cid is the current leading rider at Delta.

“I was visiting with him yesterday and he’s good – he’s in good spirits,” Coco said Tuesday.

Del-Cid spent Saturday night in an area hospital and was home Sunday, said Coco.

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Del-Cid, who lost his apprentice allowance Nov. 13, has won 266 races this year from 1,179 starts, according to statistics posted by Equibase. Irad Ortiz Jr. leads all riders in wins with 302 and Tyler Gaffalione ranks third with 253.

Del-Cid’s mounts have earned more than $4.5 million in 2022. He had won four races the night he was injured in the Delta finale. On Nov. 22, he had a six-win day at Delta. Del-Cid has won 61 races at the meet, 30 more than second-leading rider C.J. McMahon.

“It’s been unbelievable,” Coco said. “He’s been an absolute blessing to me.”

Del-Cid came into the Delta meet on the heels of the Evangeline Downs title in Opelousas, La. He won 124 races during the meet, from 500 starts.

Del-Cid is a 21-year-old native of Guatemala. He won his first career race Oct. 21, 2021, at Delta. Overall, he has won 281 races from 1,359 starts for mount earnings of $4.9 million, according to statistics from Daily Racing Form.

Del-Cid’s record figures to put him in the running for an Eclipse Award for outstanding apprentice jockey of 2022.

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