Jockey Michael Martinez badly injured at Golden Gate Fields
Jockey Michael Martinez, who is one of the finest jockeys in Northern California, has been admitted at the Highland Hospital in Oakland on Monday after suffering from serious injuries caused at the Golden Gate Fields.
Dr. David Seftel informed that Martinez’s injuries resulted after a terrible accident that has resulted in 3 thoracic spinal columns (T5, T6 & T7) completely broken into pieces, one of which was linked with his spinal cord. Moreover, the jockey has suffered
a head injury, six broken ribs, ruptured lungs along with ragged blood vessels on both sides of his rib section. Dr. Seftel further informed that it was the worst horse racing accident he has ever seen in the last 10 years. Michael underwent an eleven hour
surgery to treat his unstable spinal column.
Patterson and instructor Billy Morey visited the hospital right after the disaster. They were also informed about the jockey’s x-ray reports that clearly indicated serious fractures all across his body. Such is the nature of the jockey’s injuries that Martinez
has been paralyzed from the lower body. His doctor further added that Martinez woke up soon after his surgery but was in a lot of pain. As a result, he is being kept in a medically induced coma. Internal bleeding in his brain was immediately stopped by the
doctors shortly after the accident which could have resulted in the jockey’s death. On Tuesday, his lungs started working smoothly which was why the breathing machine was removed by the doctors.
Martinez’s complicated neurosurgery was performed by Dr. Frederico Castro-Moure, who is presently working as Highland's head of neurosurgery. He eliminated ruins of broken fragments of the jockey’s spinal cord and connected rods to stabilize his spine. The
doctor added that Martinez woke up after his surgery which was a positive sign.
At present, Martinez is hospitalized and is being closely monitored by physicians. The next few days are very critical for Martinez’s recovery. According to initial reports, his movement has been paralyzed and regaining his movement depends on a successful
embryonic stem-cell surgery. The doctors added that Martinez is just 24 years old, has an excellent physical condition along with a small frame - all positives to make him a good candidate for stem-cell surgery.
The 24-year-old rider is a native of Panama and comes from a family of horse jockeys. His cousin Alex Solis was declared as one of the top jockeys in USA. Martinez stood second in this year’s performance in Carolina, winning the 13th position
amongst North American Jockeys with 168 career wins. When he reached USA in 2008, he was just 18 years old. His initial career in South California and New Mexico wasn’t outstanding though. Before participating in the Golden Gate Fields in February 2009, Martinez
wasn’t that popular. However, in the last 2 years, his performance and popularity has grown at breakneck speeds.
Moreover, Martinez’s fiancée Charlotte Garcia is expecting to have their first child soon.
Martinez's agent, Dennis Patterson was extremely worried while addressing the media and said, “people love this kid so much and what happened to him can’t be wished even upon the devil.” He said that he spent about 50 years of his life on the tracks but
could not recall a more likeable character than Martinez.
A fund has been established to support the badly injured rider and his family. After going through such a dangerous accident, it looks almost impossible for Michael Martinez to continue his career as a professional jockey.
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