Gomez in Spill at CD; Released from Hospital

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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

Garrett Gomez

Jockey Garrett Gomez, who was taken to Audubon Hospital in Louisville after being injured in a spill in the sixth race at Churchill Downs Nov. 4, has been released and plans to be back in action for tomorrow's opening program of the Breeders' Cup World Championships.

Gomez was aboard the 3-year-old maiden filly Indy Bouquet, a daughter of A.P. Indy trained by Shannon Ritter for WinStar Farm. The filly, who fell at the far turn, had run second in her last two starts, both maiden events. She was euthanized due to injuries she sustained in the spill according to state steward John Vietch.

Darrell Haire, West Coast Jockey’s Guild representative said Gomez was  transported to the hospital for “precautionary” reasons, and said Gomez was “hit pretty hard.”

“The horse appeared to have rolled on him; Gomez was complaining of (right) shoulder pain,” said Haire.

Gomez’ spill came at an inopportune time as he has mounts in eight of the 14 Breeders’ Cup races Nov. 5-6, including Blame  , who is 9-2 on the morning line in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I).

Esther Marr contributed to this article

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