Fogelsonger Released from Trauma Unit

Jockey Ryan Fogelsonger was released from the Shock Trauma Unit at the University of Maryland Medical Center in downtown Baltimore this evening after x-rays on his injured neck were negative.

The 2002 Eclipse Award winning apprentice was injured earlier in the afternoon when his mount, Lucky Valid, fell past the wire after finishing second in the second race at Laurel Park. Fogelsonger landed on his head. After being treated by track medical director Dr. Harry Harris, he was flown to Shock Trauma.

"When I arrived (just before 5 p.m.) he was sitting up, alert and smiling," said Kevin Witte, Fogelsonger's agent. "He looked nothing like he did three hours earlier. He is obviously very sore but we dodged another bullet."

Witte indicated his star suffered a strained neck and would have to wear a neck brace the entire weekend. The 23-year old will be off his mounts Saturday and Sunday and has an appointment with a doctor Monday.

The jockey was initially listed in serious but stable condition following his transfer to the hospital.

"We elected to send him to Shock Trauma because during the examination he was responding very slow to the (questions) and a number of them were inappropriate responses," Harris said. "His neurological exam showed less than normal signs. He was complaining of neck and head pain. We have to make sure he doesn't have head or cervical trauma."

Fogelsonger ranks fourth in the current winter meet standings with 28 victories.