Brian Hernandez Jr. Stabilized After Churchill Downs Fall

Brian Hernandez Jr., the 39-year-old jockey who won the 2024 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, was seriously injured when his mount Sgt. Garcia suffered a front‑leg injury and threw him during the third race at Churchill Downs; the colt was later euthanized. Hernandez was transported to University of Louisville Hospital with seven broken ribs, a punctured lung and a lacerated liver that required a procedure and initial intensive-care treatment. Doctors performed surgery on his liver, have stabilized his ribs (with some repaired using plates and screws or with rib surgery planned), and say the bleeding is controlled while they monitor for additional complications. His wife Jamie and trainer Kenny McPeek have posted updates saying he is “on the road to recovery,” Hernandez has begun walking the hospital halls, and he has told reporters he is torn between not wanting to ride again and wanting to return quickly.