Castaneda Shows Modest Improvement

Jockey Bonnie Castaneda has shown modest improvements since her Jan. 4 surgery to repair two broken vertebrae in her back.

According to Castaneda’s husband, Marco Castaneda, she had eight metal screws inserted into her back to hold the vertebrae in place.

“It was a very serious procedure,” said Marco, who trains Jolinda, the horse his wife was riding when she sustained her injuries.

Jolinda clipped heels with another horse, Vicki L., during the fourth race at Turfway Park Jan. 1. Vicki L., who eventually finished third under Rafael Mojica Jr., was later disqualified and placed 10th in the 11-horse field for the interference.