Injured Jockey Ore Shows Improvement

Jockey Zarella Ore, injured in a spill June 27 at Calder Casino & Race Course, has regained consciousness and remains at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, trainer Walter Rosas-Canessa said June 30.

Ore has shown improvement since June 28 but is not yet speaking, said Rosas-Canessa for whom she has ridden numerous races. Rosas-Canessa said Ore also suffered several facial fractures as a result of her fall.

On June 30, a Jackson Memorial spokeswoman said Ore's family has requested that the hospital not release any information on her condition.

Ore was airlifted from Calder in Miami Gardens, Fla., to Jackson Memorial June 27 after she was thrown from her mount Pop's Gem in the sixth race. (Related article)

Pop's Gem and Ore were racing along the rail in mid-stretch of the 5 1/2-furlong starter-optional claiming race for fillies and mares with a field of seven horses.

They were among four horses who were closely bunched when Desirable Lady, on the far outside, bore inward and, while in tight quarters, Pop's Gem clipped heels with Pretty Heiress. Pop's Gem and Ore tumbled to the ground and Pretty Heiress crossed the finish line third.

No other horses or riders fell. Pop's Gem ran loose before being caught by outriders and walked off the track apparently unharmed.

After a steward's inquiry, second-place finisher Desirable Lady, with Jocelyne Gomez aboard, was disqualified and placed last for interference near mid-stretch. Chart notes say Desirable Lady drifted in near the eighth pole and caused a chain reaction that impeded several opponents.

Calder stewards held a hearing with Gomez June 29. Information on the hearing, including any possible disciplinary action, was not available June 30.

Ore, 35, is a native of Peru. This year, she has six wins from 58 mounts and purse earnings of $79,526.