Apprentice jockey Michael Straight was taken to Lutheran General Hospital
after his mount broke down in the 8TH race at Arlington Park on Wednesday, and
according to the Daily Racing Form, the 24-year-old rider may have been
left paralyzed in his lower body.
His twin brother, and fellow jockey, Matthew issued a statement regarding
Michael Straight’s condition on Thursday.
“As of noon (CDT) today, Mike is stable and is scheduled to undergo surgery
later this afternoon. The surgery is expected to last several hours. We will
issue a further update Friday morning.”
The DRF reported that doctors treating the rider informed the family
that Michael Straight had suffered four fractured vertebrae.
Michael Straight was riding Im No Genetleman (Whadjathink) in a 1 1/16-mile
maiden claiming test 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 was tended to by track paramedics and, after being stabilized, was
transported to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge for further evaluation.
Im No Gentleman died as a result of the accident.
The spill was the second at the current Arlington meet to result in serious
injury to a rider. Rene Douglas suffered a major spinal injury and paralysis
after his mount clipped heels with a rival in a May 23 contest at the Chicago
track.