Kentucky Derby-winning jockey in intensive care after fall as wife calls for 'extra prayers'

A Kentucky Derby-winning jockey is in intensive care with multiple injuries after a fall at Churchill Downs on Sunday. Brian Hernandez Jr made history in 2024 when he became only the eighth person to ride the winners of both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby and the first since 2009.

He captured the Oaks on subsequent US Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna and the Derby on Mystik Dan. On Sunday morning Hernandez, 39, breezed Mystik Dan at Churchill Downs ahead of his next scheduled start in the Grade 2 Lukas Classic on Saturday.

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But during the running of the third race later that day, the jockey was thrown off when his mount Sgt Garcia suffered an injury on the far turn.

The colt was taken off the track in an equine ambulance and Hernandez transported to the University of Louisville Hospital.

The jockey’s wife Jamie shared an update on the father-of-three who has ridden more than 2,700 winners, on Sunday night.

She said: “Brian had a fall today and currently is in the ICU at UofL. Thank you for the prayers. Please keep them coming.”

She listed her husband’s injuries as “7 broken ribs, punctured lung, lacerated liver with a bleed that was repaired via procedure, some bleeding they are monitoriing”.

Jamie added: “Jockey life isn’t for the faint of heart. Physically and mentally draining. Hug your loved ones tight. Please say extra prayers for Brian tonight.”

Among the replies, one post said: “Brian Hernandez one of the true riders in this game who gives his best. Prayers for full recovery.”