Jockey Jacky Martin paralyzed from neck below and scheduled for tracheotomy
Jockey Jacky Martin, 56-year-old, was placed on a respirator, courtesy of an injury he incurred when his mount, in a maiden claimer, fell after the wire and threw him down at Ruidoso Downs.
The veteran jockey got paralyzed from the neck down on 2 September, 2011, and is now scheduled to undergo tracheotomy, which is a surgical procedure that opens up the windpipe and it is performed in emergency situations.
The surgery will take place at University Medical Centre in El Paso, Texas.
Luckily for Jacky Martin, the social services are in motion, and the injured jockey will be transferred to a rehabilitation facility near Denver, as reported by his wife, Tracey Martin.
It’s been told that Jacky Martin has multiple contusions around his neck, and there has been some optimism that the paralysis will be temporary when the swelling in his back subsides.
However, on the downside, the doctors are preparing Tracey Martin for a life with a paralyzed spouse.
Jacky Martin, with incredible credentials, is the defending champion jockey and seven times All American Futurity winner.
Jacky has had 14 wins in the year 2011. Ruidoso Downs and his next assignment would have been Grade 1 $2.4 million All American Futurity, had he not been injured. He has won that race seven times in his career.
Nonetheless, the horse, Ochoa, that he was scheduled to ride went on to win the richest race in North America by 1 ½ lengths in a result that was bitter sweet, both for the connections and family.
Jacky Martin was involved in the development of the 2-year-old gelding, Ochoa, but Tracey Martin said it was a bitter sweet feeling when the gelding romped past his opponents after a late surge to win the race.
“I’ve gotten a lot of good feedback from folks that have been there, that have relatives or family friends there,” she said, adding that Craig is noted for both its physical treatments of trauma victims and its psychological support for patients.
The date that jockey Jacky Martin will be transferred for his rehab is still undetermined. They’ve looked around but Craig Hospital comes highly recommended by a number of people within the racing industry.
An account has been established to help with Jacky Martin’s medical expenses.
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