I sure hope that he can recover from this accident that most likely has taken his career. I also hope that Jamie Theriot can overcome the anguish he must feel over his role in this unfortunate event.
Theriot was on the rail, and he nudged his horse, Sky Mom, out directly into the path of Born To Be. The video shows Born To Be's head jerk madly to the left as if part of his bridle had become entangled with Theriot or Sky Mom. Born To Be immediately tumbled head over heels and landed unconscious on top of Douglas. It's sad to note that in addition to Douglas' serious injury, Born To Be had to be euthanized after the race.
Such a thrilling and dangerous sport.
If you wish, you can view the Arlington Matron at Bloodhorse. Thankfully, they don't replay the accident, but one view is horrific enough.
From The Press Democrat
DOUGLAS MIGHT NOT WALK AGAIN:
According to the Chicago Tribune's Neil Milbert, Rene Douglas, one of most accomplished jockeys in Arlington Park history, underwent seven hours of spinal surgery early Sunday morning at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and, according to his agent Dennis Cooper, a member of the surgical team of specialists said "he might never walk again."
"It doesn't look good," Cooper said Monday. "They won't be a million percent sure until the swelling goes down and that isn't expected to be until about 10 to 14 days. His fifth and sixth vertebrae were compressed, his ribs were broken and there was damage to his neck, but the main damage is to the spinal cord.
"The doctor told me he had feeling and movement in his upper body but not in his legs. They're hoping that the contusions and swelling (affecting his spinal cord) is what is causing the paralysis, but they don't think so. We're hoping for a miracle."
The six-time Arlington jockey champion sustained the injuries at the track on Saturday riding Born to Be in the Grade III Arlington Matron Handicap. Born to Be had just emerged from the stretch turn, boxed in behind the leaders, when she was bumped by Sky Mom on her inside and clipped heels with front-running Boudoir.
Born to Be fell and was knocked unconscious and rolled over onto Douglas.
The 42-year-old rider lay motionless on the track for several minutes before he was taken by ambulance to Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights.
After doctors there examined him, he was placed in an induced coma, flown by helicopter to Chicago and admitted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Douglas' wife, Natalia, flew to Chicago from Ft. Lauderdale after learning he was seriously injured, and he was awakened from the coma so they could speak late Saturday.
Cooper said surgery began about 2:30 a.m. and continued until 9:30 a.m., with Douglas in critical condition.
Born to Be was euthanized, a track spokesman said Sunday.
Our prayers go out to Rene and his family.
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