Jockey Rocco Alert after Keeneland Spill

Updated: Saturday, October 20, 2012 10:10 PM
Posted: Friday, October 19, 2012 2:03 PM

Photo: Keeneland/Coady Photography

Jockey Joseph Rocco, Jr.

Jockey Joseph Rocco, Jr. was transported to the University of Kentucky Medical Center for observation after his mount, Thermal Cat, broke down during the first race at Keeneland Oct. 19.

"There was no loss of consciousness," said a statement from Dr. Barry Schumer, medical director at Keeneland. "Joe was awake and alert and moving his extremities. He was complaining of neck and back pain."

Thermal Cat, a 3-year-old Tale of the Cat colt owned by Coffeepot Stables, was euthanized following the accident. It was the fifth career start for the allowance winner, who had two victories for trainer Wayne Catalano.

As part of new protocol under the Jockey Health Information System, a DVD of the race accident was sent along with Rocco to UK Medical Center.

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