Apprentice Lopez Out After Back Surgery

(from Calder release)
Apprentice jockey Maynor Lopez will be out of action for at least several months after surgery to repair a collarbone broken in two places and a fractured vertebra. The injuries were sustained in a fall at Calder Race Course on June 15.

Lopez was aboard Charming Lexie as they led the field just past the five-sixteenth pole in the sixth race on the main track when the 4-year-old filly fell, unseating the jockey.  

The 27-year-old native of Ecuador had surgeries on June 19 and 20, which included the insertion of metal rods in his back. His agent reported that doctors expect Lopez to be able to start rehabilitation in three to four months and that he could possibly return to riding.

Two other jockeys were unseated from their mounts in the race. Faustino Orantes was found to be uninjured after being transported to the hospital for evaluation. Daniel Coa returned to the jockeys’ room after the race and resumed riding that afternoon.