Author's Note: From the Chicago Sun-Times, May 26, 2009
Sources reported that jockey Rene Douglas has remained paralyzed from the waist down in the intensive-care unit at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. The champion reinsman was hurt when his Born to Be clipped heels late in the Arlington Matron on Saturday.
He underwent seven hours of surgery to repair injuries to his back and neck. Hope remains that he may regain the use of his legs.
Arlington stewards announced that Kentucky-based Jamie Theriot -- the jockey who allegedly prompted Douglas' fall -- will be suspended 30 days. An appeal remains possible.
7 comments:
WOW! Only 30 days for ending someone's career and almost taking his life? It's time that the racing officials open their eyes and start taking action in these races! There are too many jockeys that perform risky moves and too many that guide horses under the influence of prescription meds!
well he should be suspended and longer for that if it has cost Rene his career
I couldn't agree more. Contrary to popular belief, Jockeys don't earn a whole terrible amount of money. They 'percentage' that money all the way down and if the horse finished behind third place, that jockey is lucky to make $20. I can only imagine the medical benefits they do not receive. Horrible! and in 30 days, that man will be back to do a repeat performance.
I think people are being unfair to Jamie Theriot. First, if used his whip on the inside, then he is to blame for bumping Rene's horse. However, Rene's and Jamie's horses were side by side at the time of the accident. I can't imagine Theriot would deliberately bump another horse. Don't forget, horses lug in all the time without the rider telling them to do so. If Jamie didn't signal his horse to move left, then he can't be blamed. Second, I read an article (which I agree with) that states that this kind of riding goes on everyday at all tracks and, unless there are injuries or a horse that might have won doesn't because of the interference, they ignore it. Had Rene not been hurt, the stewards probably would have looked the other way. If you don't believe me, take a look at last year's Belmont Stakes. Kent D. bumps into Tale of Ekati early in the race and was never questioned by the stewards (he was only questioned about why he pulled up Big Brown). I feel horrible about Rene, but it's not fair to take out your anger on Theriot.
I think people are being unfair to Jamie Theriot. First, if used his whip on the inside, then he is to blame for bumping Rene's horse. However, Rene's and Jamie's horses were side by side at the time of the accident. I can't imagine Theriot would deliberately bump another horse. Don't forget, horses lug in all the time without the rider telling them to do so. If Jamie didn't signal his horse to move left, then he can't be blamed. Second, I read an article (which I agree with) that states that this kind of riding goes on everyday at all tracks and, unless there are injuries or a horse that might have won doesn't because of the interference, they ignore it. Had Rene not been hurt, the stewards probably would have looked the other way. If you don't believe me, take a look at last year's Belmont Stakes. Kent D. bumps into Tale of Ekati early in the race and was never questioned by the stewards (he was only questioned about why he pulled up Big Brown). I feel horrible about Rene, but it's not fair to take out your anger on Theriot.
-Barbara
I think people are being unfair to Jamie Theriot. First, if used his whip on the inside, then he is to blame for bumping Rene's horse. However, Rene's and Jamie's horses were side by side at the time of the accident. I can't imagine Theriot would deliberately bump another horse. Don't forget, horses lug in all the time without the rider telling them to do so. If Jamie didn't signal his horse to move left, then he can't be blamed. Second, I read an article (which I agree with) that states that this kind of riding goes on everyday at all tracks and, unless there are injuries or a horse that might have won doesn't because of the interference, they ignore it. Had Rene not been hurt, the stewards probably would have looked the other way. If you don't believe me, take a look at last year's Belmont Stakes. Kent D. bumps into Tale of Ekati early in the race and was never questioned by the stewards (he was only questioned about why he pulled up Big Brown). I feel horrible about Rene, but it's not fair to take out your anger on Theriot.
-Barbara
listen if you watch the race your correct they were side by side would you switch lanes while driving to work if the car was right next to you? I dont think so. BY watching the video you can tell that there was no hesitation by theroit he went for the hole that rene douglas had already established because the purse was one of the highest of the days. it was a stake race and jockeys want to win it but at what cost. Jockeys know what they are doing out there and they know the consequences of their actions and he is sorry for his now because Rene may never walk again.
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