Three jockeys and an outrider injured in spill

Jockeys Ricardo Martinez, John Jude, and Bryan McNeil and outrider Bo Butler sustained varying injuries in a three-horse spill in Sunday’s eighth race at Fonner Park.

Martinez’s mount, Dial Uncle Joey, clipped heels and fell and the other two horses involved fell over that rival, according to the chart of the race.

Butler collected Jude’s mount, Spry Charlie, who got up and ran in the opposite direction, while McNeil’s mount, J Ps Harley Glider, who also got up and ran, collided with Butler and his pony, according to a press release from Fonner.

Jude fractured a finger and was released from the hospital, while Martinez was treated and released and is undergoing concussion follow-up protocols, according to an update from Fonner. McNeil was to undergo surgery Monday to repair a fractured humerus bone and also sustained a separated shoulder. Butler sustained a pneumothorax injury, serious bruising on the left side of his body and is undergoing concussion follow-up protocols.

The pony, J Ps Harley Glider, and Dial Uncle Joey – who was believed to have broken his neck – had to be euthanized as a result of the accident.

“It makes me sick to my stomach to see any horse or its rider be involved in such a horrifying tragedy.” Chris Kotulak, chief executive officer of Fonner, said in a press release. “[Sunday’s] accident was a stark reminder of the ever-present hazard of horse racing. The jockeys and outrider were performing their dangerous professions, which the vast majority of the time ends without incident.

“I was pleased to see the incredibly quick reaction from all of the first responders. All of my staff, security, and the emergency medical personnel did exactly what they have been trained to do.”

The race was a conditioned allowance sprint over 4 1/2 furlongs. Dial Uncle Joey was a Louisiana-bred by Dialed In and J Ps Harley Glider was a Nebraska-bred by Sportstalk.

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