DeCarlo Fractures Vertebrae After Mishap at Gulfstream

Jockey Chris DeCarlo suffered a fracture of the L1 vertebrae of the lower spine after being thrown to the ground during the ninth race Thursday at Gulfstream Park. DeCarlo was taken from the track on a stretcher.

The injury occurred when La Sprezzatura, a 3-year-old filly, hit the inner rail on the clubhouse turn, unseating DeCarlo. The jockey is conscious and alert, but is suffering lower back pain. He is confined to a bed at Memorial Hospital in nearby Hollywood. Hospital spokeswoman Tara Bauer said doctors recommend bed rest and limited movement for the broken vertebra, and there is no timetable for his release.