Jockey Rafael Bejarano was taken by
ambulance to Scripps Hospital in La Jolla, California, for precautionary X-rays
after he was unseated in the stretch run of Wednesday’s 3RD race on the opening day of the 2009 Del Mar
racing season. After an initial examination, it was reported that Bejarano, one
of America’s leading jockeys, suffered multiple facial fractures.
According to Dr. Philip Sanderson, the physician who initially examined
Bejarano in the track first aid station, X-rays showed that the rider suffered
fractures of the jaw, nose and orbital bones in the midstretch mishap which
occurred when his mount, Mi Rey (Arg) (Louis Quatorze), broke down. Bejarano was
unseated and appeared to have been clipped by a trailing horse.
Bejarano, top rider at Del Mar a year ago, may have also suffered an injury
in the area of his left shoulder. Further X-rays have been scheduled.
According to Sanderson, the 27-year-old native of Peru has been admitted to
the hospital and will remain overnight. Sanderson also said there is a
possibility Bejarano will have to undergo surgery to repair his facial injuries.
Mi Rey sustained a catastrophic injury to his right front leg and was
euthanized.