Nakatani, Franco Hospitalized After Horrific Multiple-Horse Spill
Jockey Corey Nakatani avoided life-threatening injury after his mount, Irish Spring, clipped heels with Aussie Fox at the top of the stretch during the one-mile turf race for maiden claimers.
Unfortunately, Irish Spring was seriously injured and euthanized after the incident. As Irish Spring went down, Bitter Ring Home went over the top of the fallen horse and also went down.
Injured jockeys Corey Nakatani and Geovanni Franco were taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, where they are being held for observation.
Nakatani's son and agent, Matt Nakatani, said the rider has cervical stenosis and a herniated disk that is pressing against his spinal cord..
The suspension is scheduled to begin Aug. 12 and continue through Aug. 25, and Sawyer said Espinoza's agent, Brian Beach, asked how much time he had to file an appeal. Beach was unavailable for comment Sunday.
Both Matt Nakatani and Giannone said Espinoza visited the hospital Saturday and Sunday to check on the injured jockeys.
The accident in the 10th race happened after the field had just entered the stretch on the Jimmy Durante Turf Course (Del Mar) in front of the grandstands.
Credit: Ritesh Jamkhedkar ritesh.jamkhedkar@secretariatsworld.com