LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – Derby winning jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. is back in the saddle after a serious injury several weeks ago.Â
He returned to the Churchill Downs winner's circle Wednesday, after winning the eighth race aboard Sir Greylind. Hernandez suffered serious injuries in the Sept. 21 incident in the third race at Churchill Downs.Â
That's when his mount -- Sgt. Garcia -- broke down nearing the far turn and threw him to the ground. He was hospitalized with seven broken ribs, a punctured lung and a lacerated liver. He underwent an immediate surgical procedure to repair his liver.
He has high praise for the rehab treatment he received at Norton Healthcare.
"Here at Churchill Downs they have a great partnership with Norton Healthcare, and they started us in physical therapy about a week after the surgeries," Hernandez said.
He said he is now ready to get back into his routine.Â
Hernandez had planned to return to racing in time for the Breeders' Cup but was forced to miss the two-day event. He is scheduled to ride in several races at Churchill Downs with 14 mounts in four days including three on Thursday, three on Friday, three on Saturday and five on Sunday.Â
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