Woodbine: Da Silva done for rest of meet after breaking leg

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Jockey Eurico Rosa da Silva will miss the balance of the Woodbine meeting after breaking his leg in a accident during this past Saturday’s running of the Cup and Saucer Stakes.

Da Silva, who was riding the favored Aldous Snow in the 1 1/16-mile race over a soft turf course, apparently was struck just above the left ankle by the right hind leg of Secret Consultant, who had broken down badly in his left hind less than a quarter-mile into the race.

Da Silva did manage to pull up Aldous Snow but then fell to the racetrack.

“When he hit me, it was a terrible shock,” said Da Silva. “I just tried to go on with my horse, but I could not handle the pain.”

“In 20 years of riding, I’ve never seen something so weird.”

Da Silva, 36, won the 2010 Sovereign Award as Canada’s outstanding rider after topping the standings at the Woodbine meeting with 190 wins.

He was third in the standings this year, with 125 wins, when his season was cut short.

While the fracture was clean and should be healed in six weeks, Da Silva does not plan to return to action until next spring.

“I’m going to take a break,” said Da Silva, who rode in Aqueduct last winter. “I just want to thank all the trainers and owners here for their support.

“Everything’s good. I’m just going to get better for next year.”

Secret Consultant had to be euthanized.