Robby Albarado was injured on Wednesday when he was thrown during the post
parade for the 3RD race at Churchill Downs. However, the jockey is still
expected to take the mount on Grade 1 Kentucky Derby contender Animal Kingdom
during Saturday’s Run for the Roses.
Albarado was aboard Smoke’n Al, who threw his rider as the horses were coming
onto the track for the post parade of the 3RD race. It was reported that the
horse may have stepped on Albarado’s face.
The rider was taken to a Louisville hospital, where he was treated for a
broken nose and laceration on his face that required stitches. Though he’s still
scheduled to ride in the Derby, Albarado’s participation in Friday’s Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks
aboard Bouquet Booth has yet to be determined.
“I think he’s going to be OK. I’m not 100 percent sure that he’s going to be
able to ride (Thursday), he’s got a broken nose and lacerations around his eye,”
said Graham Motion, trainer of Animal Kingdom. “But I talked with (Albarado’s
agent) Lenny (Pike) and he’s pretty confident that he will be OK for Saturday.”