Matthew Straight issues update on injured brother
Jockey Matthew Straight, twin brother of apprentice jockey Michael Straight
who was injured on August 26 at Arlington Park, on Wednesday issued the
following statement regarding the condition of his brother:
“Mike had a minor procedure this morning to remove a little air build-up in
his lungs, which the doctors tell me is common for people on a ventilator. That
procedure was successful.
“He had an MRI yesterday and the results came back as expected — that there
is a head injury and a spinal injury. The doctors say the head injury will heal
on its own in time.
“He still has no feeling in his lower body but until the swelling around the
spine goes down, we are keeping positive thoughts.
“He is responding to commands and shakes his head “Yes” and “No” when
responding to questions and holding up fingers when asked.”
Michael Straight was riding Im No Genetleman (Whadjathink) in the 8TH race at
Arlington on August 26 when his mount appeared to clip heels with another horse
in the vicinity of the quarter-pole and fell, sending his rider to the track.
Straight suffered injuries to the spine, including four broken vertebrae.
Doctors at Lutheran General Hospital performed spinal surgery and inserted a
flexible rod to stabilize the spine.
Straight, a native of East Greenbush, New York, graduated from Chris
McCarron’s North American Racing Academy in 2008. He won the first race of his
career at Tampa Bay Downs in March 2009 and has ridden a total of 39 winners in
372 races.
A fund to support Michael Straight and his family has been set up through the
Don MacBeth Memorial Jockeys Fund. Donations earmarked for Michael Straight
should be sent to P.O. Box 18470, Encino, CA, 91416.