Trainer David Whited remains hospitalized at Louisiana State University after apparently being kicked in the head by a horse on the night of Aug. 20 at Louisiana Downs.
The 71-year-old Whited is improving while in a chemically induced coma, according to Deana Echols, executive secretary of the Arkansas Thoroughbred Breeders' and Horsemen's Association. The former jockey is a longtime resident of Hot Springs, Ark., and an active breeder.
Echols said she was told the swelling in Whited's brain has stopped, and that doctors are considering weaning him off coma medication.
Whited was found unconscious on the ground at Louisiana Downs at about 11 p.m. CDT on the night of Aug. 20 according to various news reports. He had transported a horse from his farm in Hot Springs to the Bossier City track that evening, and the horse was found loose on the grounds. He was admitted to the trauma center at LSU a short time later.
A fund has been established to help Whited. Anyone wishing to make a contribution can a send donation to: David Whited Special Fund, c/o Arkansas Racetrack Chaplaincy, P.O. Box 20564, Hot Springs, AR 71903.
Whited began training after 36 years as a jockey and bought Friendswood Farm in Hot Springs. During his riding career, Whited won 3,784 races. Among his best mounts was Promised City, who won the 1975 Arkansas Derby (gr. I). As a trainer, his best horse has been multiple stakes winner All About Allie.
