Espinoza 'feeling much better,' no decision on Accelerate's jockey

Agent Brian Beach reported from Scripps La Jolla Hospital on Wednesday that jockey Victor Espinoza, who has been listed as  in stable condition and is out of intensive care, was “feeling much better” after a third night in the hospital.

Espinoza incurred a fracture of the C-3 vertebra in his neck in a training accident Sunday, when Grade 2 winner Bobby Abu Dhabi suffered a sudden cardiac event in a morning workout, and will be sidelined for the Del Mar meeting.

There are still some nerve issues in Espinoza's shoulder and arms, Beach said, but he is walking around and doing therapy.

Expectations are that the Hall of Famer will be hospitalized for another  day or two.

Additionally, trainer John Sadler said he will take his time before naming a replacement for Espinoza on Accelerate for the Grade 1 TVG Pacific Classic on Aug. 18.