Fast recovery for Simington

In February, it looked like jockey Don Simington might not make the early part of the Louisiana Downs meet. The winner of the last three titles at the Bossier City, La., track, he suffered the “roughest” injuries of his career in a spill at Delta Downs. Simington broke nine ribs and his collarbone when his mount clipped heels and fell, and he also ruptured his spleen and punctured a lung.

Simington said his doctors did not expect him to resume riding by the start of the Louisiana Downs meet last Friday, but he was cleared for competition last month. Simington’s first mount back came at Evangeline Downs on April 29.

“I talked to a lot of people, doctors, and they thought there was no way I could be back as soon as I am,” said Simington, 48. “I’m a walking miracle.”