Jockey Eibar Coa underwent approximately six hours of surgery Saturday at
Memorial Regional Hospital on his C4 vertebrae, which was broken in a spill
following the finish of Friday’s 6TH race at Gulfstream Park.
Family spokesperson Tito Fuentes, Coa’s agent, said Coa came out of the
surgery well and was able to move his hands.
“After the operation the doctors said they were encouraged,” Fuentes said.
“He was moving his hands, and that’s a great sign.”
On Saturday morning, prior to the surgery, Fuentes reported that Coa
had feeling in his body — but no motion — and was alert and talking.
Terry Meyocks, national manager of the Jockeys’ Guild, also commented on
Coa’s status.
“Eibar had some feeling (Friday) night as well,” Meyocks said. “So we’re
hoping he will continue improving.
“The main thing is Eibar is at the best possible hospital and getting the
best possible care.”
Coa had been visited throughout the evening and morning by a number of
fellow riders and horsemen.
Jockey Paco Lopez, who was also unseated from his mount in the spill, was
treated for an elbow chip and was released from the hospital Friday evening.
Before being released, Lopez spent several hours with Coa.
“Eibar and his family are in the thoughts and prayers of the entire
Gulfstream and racing community,” Gulfstream President and General Manager Steve
Calabro said.