Exercise Rider Dies in Belmont Training Accident

Exercise rider Juan Vazquez, 39, died Friday morning following a training accident at Belmont Park.

Juan Vazquez was working Global Warrior, an unraced 2-year-old, in company with Broadway Bay in the stretch on the training track at approximately 8 a.m. when the horse suddenly ducked into the inside rail, unseating the rider, according to Bruce Brown, who trains both horses.

"They were nearing the end of the work and Juan reached back to hit the horse once, right-handed," said Brown. "The horse ducked into the rail and he [Vazquez] ended up over the inside rail."

Juan Vazquez, who was born in Mexico and trained several horses on his own in addition to working as an exercise rider, was transported to North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y., where he was pronounced dead.

"The entire New York Racing Association family is deeply saddened by this tragic event," said John Durso, Jr., Director of Communications and Media Relations for the New York Racing Association. "This was a rare, unusual and unfortunate incident. Our collective thoughts and prayers are with Juan Vazquez's family during this difficult time."

Source: NYRA