Bravo Released From Hospital; Out 4-5 Months

By Claire Novak
Jockey Joe Bravo was released from Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida on Jan. 10 after a six-day stay for observation following a racing accident at Gulfstream Park.

Bravo fractured two vertebrae when his mount broke down in the second race during Gulfstream's opening card on Jan. 4. He did not require surgery and left the hospital wearing a brace, said his agent, Danny Mellul.

"He's doing fine, the pain is decreasing every day," Mellul said. "He'll stay in Florida to heal up."

According to Mellul, doctors at Jackson Memorial expect the 34-year-old jockey to be sidelined for at least four months.

"It's gonna be a while before he can ride again," Mellul said, "four, maybe even five months. That's what they've told us at this stage."

A New Jersey native, Bravo ranked among the nation's top riders in 2005 with earnings of $6,466,087 and a win rate of 22%.