Veteran jockey Richard Bracho remains in Jefferson Torresdale Hospital in Philadelphia following a one-horse spill in the fourth race at Parx on Sunday.
Bracho was aboard first-time starter Cinnamon Latte for trainer Martin Silvio in the 5 1/2-furlong sprint for $20,000 maiden claimers. They were racing near the back of the pack inside several horses when Cinnamon Latte fell heavily throwing Bracho forward.
According to Bracho’s agent, Evan Lauro, Bracho fractured the C-4 vertebra in his neck and a bone in his back. He also had bleeding on his brain, which is now under control. Lauro said Bracho is in a lot of pain but is conscious, talking, and has movement in all of his extremities.
Bracho’s injuries will not require surgery, but he faces a long recovery and it is not guaranteed he will be able to ride again.
Cinnamon Latte was not seriously injured in the spill, according to Lauro
Bracho, 48, has won more than 2,000 races in his native Venezuela and has 526 wins in North America.
He first rode in the United States in 1990-1991 but then returned to Venezuela. He came back to the United States 2003 and rode here for four years before once again returning home. He has ridden consistently in the U.S. since 2010.
In 2016, Bracho finished third in the jockey standings at Indiana Grand with 77 wins. Last fall, he returned to Parx, where he had previously ridden in 2003, 2004, 2011, and 2012.
Bracho has 17 wins this year from 126 mounts. He rode three winners at Parx on March 8, and last month won a race on four consecutive days at Parx from May 18 to May 21.
Lauro has set up a GoFundMe page for Bracho that has a goal of raising $5,000 to help with his medical bills. To reach the GoFundMe page, click here.