Jockey Rene Douglas' family responds to support after accident

Friends of Rene Douglas, one of Arlington Park's top jockeys, say the veteran rider is "doing well and is stable" five days after undergoing seven hours of spinal surgery from his May 23 fall.

Natalie Douglas, wife of the injured 42-year-old rider, issued a statement on Facebook to the more than 2,400 fans and well wishers who have viewed a get-well card on the site for Douglas.

"Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts for all your support, best wishes and prayers - we really appreciate them," she wrote. "We believe in the power of prayer and we know that faith and a positive attitude can do miracles. Rene is a winner and he will win this one. Thanks again for all your concern." It was signed: The Douglas Family.

Doreen Razo, who is serving as the family spokesperson, reported Thursday morning on the social networking site that Douglas "is doing well and is stable. The doctors are pleased with everything and he is aware of everyone's prayers and thoughts."

Razo earlier told the Daily Racing Form that as of Wednesday, Douglas "doesn't have any sensation yet in his feet or legs," but that it wasn't a surprise to doctors.

"They didn't expect anything significant in terms of movement for five to seven days," Razo told the DRF. "They weren't worried that he wasn't able to feel this or feel that."

Douglas was injured last Saturday at Arlington Park when his horse, Born to Be, was clipped during the race by another horse. Douglas fell on the track and was pinned by the horse when it fell on him. Douglas is recovering at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and he is expected to spend at least one more week in intensive care.