Santos Fractures Wrist; Griffinite in Need of Preakness Jockey

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Jockey Jose Santos fractured his right wrist on Saturday, the result of being thrown from his mount, Kalu, shortly after winning the Hawthorne Derby (gr. IIIT).

Santos had been slated to ride Griffinite in the Preakness, but trainer Jennifer Pedersen is now searching for a new rider for the colt, according to a Maryland Jockey Club release. Pedersen said she would talk to owner Ernie Paragallo before making a decision.

"We don't have much time," said Pedersen. "We have to find someone who fits the horse."

Paraneck Stable's Griffinite won the Lafayette Stakes (gr. III) at Keeneland in his first start while conditioned by Pedersen. The son of Unbridled's Song then finished third in the Coolmore Lexington Stakes (gr. II), but was placed second due to the disqualification of Mr. John.

Santos was aboard for the Lafayette victory; Craig Perret rode Griffinite in the Lexington.

"I don't know what we'll do," said Pedersen. "Jose was with us when we were getting this horse ready in Florida. He was so nice."

Santos was treated at Loyola Medical Center in Maywood, Ill., and was believed to have returned to his home in New York Saturday night.

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