Jockey Ramon Dominguez, a patient at New York-Presbyterian
Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, was transferred Thursday from the
Neurological Intensive Care Unit to a Medical Step-Down Unit, where he will
continue his recovery. Dominguez was diagnosed with a skull fracture as a result
of a spill on January 18 at Aqueduct.
“The step-down unit is an intermediate location between the
ICU and a regular, inpatient room,” said the three-time Eclipse champion
jockey’s wife, Sharon Dominguez. “Ramon’s doctors say he is recovering well, and
we’re beginning to discuss his rehab options.”
There is currently no timetable for Dominguez’s release
from New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and doctors
have prohibited him from having visitors.
“We’re so appreciative of everyone’s support, thoughts, and
prayers,” Sharon Dominguez said. “Many people have also given generously in
Ramon’s name to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF), which is a cause
he has always been passionate about. Those vital donations provide financial
assistance to permanently disabled riders, and we would encourage anyone who
wishes to show support for Ramon to donate at
www.pdjf.org.”
Dominguez was unseated during the running of the 7TH race on January
18 when his mount, Convocation, appeared to clip heels with the eventual
winner, Sovereign Default. Convocation, who stumbled and fell, did not appear to
be seriously injured in the incident and was walked off the track.
A native of Venezuela, Dominguez led all riders on the NYRA circuit in 2012 with
322 victories and led the nation in earnings with $25.6 million. Fellow New York
jockeys John Velazquez and Javier Castellano accepted the 2012 Eclipse Award on
behalf on Dominguez at the awards ceremony on January 19 in Hallandale Beach,
Florida.
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