Ryan Fogelsonger, thrown in has last race at Laurel Park, returned to action March 10 after missing three racing days and won with his first and only mount. The 2002 Eclipse Award winning apprentice was tossed from his mount Lucky Valid Friday after the horse had crossed the finish line. Fogelsonger landed head first and remained motionless on the ground until he was removed from the track in an ambulance. The 23-year old was later transferred to the Shock Trauma Unit at the University Of Maryland Medical Center for further observation. He was diagnosed with a strained neck and had to wear a neck brace over the weekend. After visiting his doctor Monday, he was cleared to ride again. His first mount back was 7-5 favorite Zhone for trainer Dale Capuano in the Thursday finale. Zhone stalked the pacesetter into the homestretch in the seven-furlong test, then pushed to the lead and won off by 3 1/2 lengths. He paid $4.80."Nice way to come back," said Fogelsonger. "I got on one this morning and felt pretty good. I have been kind of down on myself lately and have been frustrated. I was sick and missed an entire week last month and just when things started to get good again, winning three last Thursday, the spill happened. I missed out on a couple winners each day over the weekend and it is really competitive jockey colony right now."Fogelsonger ranks fourth in the current winter meet standings with 29 victories.
(Chart, Equibase)