Jockey Robby Albarado, who has mounts in the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) and Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), was thrown from his mount prior to the third race at Churchill Downs on May 4. The jockey, who suffered a broken nose and a laceration above his eye that required stitches due to his horse stepping on him, was taken to Audubon Hospital in Louisville for further evaluation.
The horses had come onto the track for the post parade when Albarado was thrown from Smoke’n Al, a 3-year-old gelding making his first start in the $10,000 maiden claimer for trainer Dallas Stewart. Stewart was one of the first to go to Albarado’s aid. Churchill Downs officials reported later that Smoke'n Al had partially stepped on the jockey's face, though Albarado was alert and never lost consciousness after the incident.
The rider initially sat on the track until medical help arrived and was eventually placed on a stretcher and lifted into an ambulance that was delayed in getting to the location on the track because outriders were unable to catch Smok’n Al.
Smoke’n Al was scratched as the start of the race was delayed.
Albarado has the mount on Animal Kingdom in the May 7 Derby and on Bouquet Booth in the Oaks the previous day. According to reports, Albarado is expected to still ride in the Derby, but it is unknown whether he will retain his Oaks mount.
Robby Albarado
Equi-Photo