A jockey was launched out of the saddle like a catapult after being sent flying through the air during a race at Aqueduct in New York. Edgard Zayas, riding the gelding Glint trained by Amira Chichakly, took a spectacular tumble shortly after the start of an optional claiming race on Monday.
The Incident
Glint clipped the heels of the horse in front, Screaming Uncle, causing the gelding to stumble. Zayas was ejected upwards before crashing onto the track. Despite the violent fall, he walked away with only minor scrapes and bruises. An outrider quickly caught Glint, who also appeared unharmed.
Reactions and Aftermath
Fans reacted with shock, with one commenting, "Wow...I have never seen a jockey thrown in the air SO HIGH from a stumbling horse." Another said, "He should get frequent flyer miles for that." Zayas was stood down from his remaining rides on the 'Belmont at the Big A' card but did not require hospital treatment.
The owners of Glint, In Front Racing Stables, issued an update: "Everything seems to have turned out fine. Edgard Zayas only came away with a small cut on his face, plus some bruises and bumps. Glint seems to be okay."
Zayas, a Puerto Rican rider with nearly 2,700 victories over 13 years in the US, is a multiple stakes winner. This incident added a dramatic moment to his career, but fortunately, both horse and jockey escaped serious injury.
