Jockey Tyler Conner is making progress in hospital after suffering a serious fall at Colonial Downs in Virginia on Thursday, which led to the abandonment of the race meeting. The 31-year-old was airlifted to VCU Trauma Center in Richmond after his horse, Stanza, clipped the heels of another runner.
Conner sustained a Jefferson fracture of the C1 vertebra and a central cord injury. His wife, Lucy, provided an update on social media, stating that doctors are optimistic about the swelling around his spinal cord subsiding. She later reported that Conner is working hard to regain movement, walking with assistance and slowly recovering the use of both arms.
The incident occurred during a Maiden Special Weight contest over five-and-a-half furlongs. Montador, ridden by Francisco Arrieta, veered towards the outer entering the final furlong, causing Stanza to clip heels and fall. Montador was disqualified and placed last, with Cheval De Guerre promoted to first.
Colonial Downs officials cancelled the remainder of the card, saying in a statement: 'In support of the jockey colony at Colonial Downs, we will be canceling the remainder of the race card today. Our thoughts are with Conner and his team.'
Conner's agent, Paula Bacon, told BloodHorse that Conner had regained feeling everywhere and was in very good spirits. A GoFundMe page set up by Hilary Pridham has raised over $40,825 to support his rehabilitation. Conner, licensed since 2014, celebrated his 1,000th career victory three years ago.
