Report: Jockey is seriously injured; Thistledown cancels races

Most of the Monday card at Thistledown was canceled after a spill in the first race reportedly left jockey Mauro Cedillo seriously injured. 

Thoroughbred Daily News reported Cedillo, a native of Guatemala, had been taken to the emergency room at MetroHealth Cleveland Heights Medical Center, about seven miles north of the track.

An employee of the racing office told TDN that jockeys voted to cancel the last seven races on Monday’s card.

According to the Equibase chart of the $12,200 claiming race, Cedillo’s horse Spectacular Road “made the lead soon after the start, set the pace in the two path, stumbled entering the turn and unseated his rider.” The dirt track was muddy and sealed for the 5 1/2-furlong race.

One replay posted to social media appeared to show Spectacular Road taking a misstep, tossing Cedillo onto the track where he tumbled and may have been hit by trailing horses before he rolled toward the rail.

The report said Cedillo, 24, was taken first to the Cleveland Clinic-South Pointe Hospital before being sent to the MetroHealth Medical Center. 

Jockeys’ Guild president and CEO Terry Meyocks told Horse Racing Nation he was waiting to hear more from Herbie Rivera Jr., the guild’s representative in Ohio, and Luis Quiñones, Cedillo’s agent, but he said there was no time promised for an update.

Spectacular Road, a 10-year-old gelding making his 69th start, looked like he was not hurt, according to TDN. Replays of the race were removed from advanced-deposit wagering platforms by Monday evening.