Suffolk Jockey Dies From Injuries Suffered in Fall

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Jockey Michel Lapensee, 58, died Friday evening at Massachusetts General Hospital as a result of injuries he suffered during a race at Suffolk Downs Oct. 24.

Lapenesee suffered brain injuries when his mount Mecke's Money suffered a compound fracture as the field neared the three-eighths pole in t he ninth race for $4,000 claimers. Lapenesee was injured by other horses that were unable to avoid the fallen rider. Mecke's Money was euthanized.

"We are all deeply saddened by this tragedy," said Suffolk Downs chief operating officer Bob O'Malley. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lapensee family."

On Saturday, Lapenesee was remembered with a moment of silence as jockeys, valets, racing officials and other racetrack employees gathered in the winner's circle prior to the first race.

Lapensee, who began his riding career in 1967, won 2,678 races from 20,089 starts for earnings of $12,441,449.

Lapensee was born in Montreal on April 7, 1947 and was a resident of Providence, RI.

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