Martin Injured In Spill At Ruidoso Downs Friday

RUIDOSO DOWNS, New Mexico (September 2, 2011) – Defending national champion jockey and seven-time All American Futurity winner Jacky Martin, 56, sustained neck injuries in a riding accident at Ruidoso Downs on Friday afternoon.

Martin is not paralyzed, but suffered three neck fractures and will be airlifted to an El Paso hospital, according to multiple sources close to the situation in the Ruidoso’s Lincoln County Medical Center.

Martin was injured when his horse, Phire Power, broke down after the finish of the 300-yard sixth race and Martin was thrown to the ground. He was then transported to the Lincoln County Medical Center.

Martin was scheduled to ride morning-line favorite and fastest qualifier Ochoa on Monday’s Grade 1, $2.4-million All American Futurity. On Sunday, he was named to ride Prospect To The Top in the Grade 1, $1.3-million All American Derby and two-time champion Noconi in the Grade 3, $40,000 All American Gold Cup.

He was named the 2010 champion jockey after his mounts earned $3.2 million and he scored grade 1 wins aboard Double Down Special, Noconi and Hes Too Icy For Me last year.

The member of the Ruidoso Downs Racehorse Hall of Fame has ridden nearly 3,000 winners and the earners of more than $46.4 million during his career that officially started in 1972.