Jockey, horse expected to recover after Arlington accident
A famed jockey and the horse he was riding Saturday are expected to recover after being involved in what officials are calling an unusual accident at Arlington International Racecourse.
Jockey Chris Emigh, 45, sustained a broken thumb, a broken toe and a concussion after he was thrown from the horse Saturday during a race on the turf, Arlington spokesman Brian Spencer said. It has not been determined when he will return to racing.
“All things considered, he probably got pretty lucky there based on everything that happened,” Spencer said.
Emigh, one of Arlington's all-time leading jockeys, was riding Fitz's Storm during the second race of the day when the horse ran into a temporary turf rail, flipped and fell on its back, Spencer said.
The horse, though able to get up and run, was taken to a local equine hospital after the accident for evaluation.
Aside from some minor cuts, Spencer said, the horse is “no worse for wear” and will return to Arlington on Tuesday.