Exercise rider Juan Vazquez, 39, died Friday morning following a training
accident at Belmont Park.
Vazquez was working Global Warrior, an unraced two-year-old, in company with
Broadway Bay in the stretch on the training track at approximately 8 a.m. (EDT)
when the horse suddenly ducked into the inside rail, unseating the rider,
according to Bruce Brown, who trains both horses.
“They were nearing the end of the work and Juan reached back to hit the horse
once, right-handed,” Brown said. “The horse ducked into the rail and he
(Vazquez) ended up over the inside rail.”
Juan Vazquez, who was born in Mexico and trained several horses on his own in
addition to working as an exercise rider, was transported to North Shore
University Hospital in Manhasset, New York, where he was pronounced dead.
“The entire New York Racing Association family is deeply saddened by this
tragic event,” said John Durso Jr., Director of Communications and Media
Relations for the New York Racing Association. “This was a rare, unusual and
unfortunate incident. Our collective thoughts and prayers are with Juan
Vazquez’s family during this difficult time.”
New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association President Rick Violette Jr. also
issued a statement.
“This is a sobering reminder that tragedy can happen, even to the most
skilled riders,” Violette said. “We have lost a member of our community, and it
is devastating. Our hearts and prayers go out to Juan’s family and loved ones.”