Apprentice jockey Mauro Cedillo, severely injured in an accident in Monday's first race at JACK Thistledown in North Randall, Ohio, remains in the intensive care unit at Cleveland's MetroHealth Medical Center while heavily sedated, his agent, Luis Quinones, said on Tuesday.
“He is breathing through a ventilator and doctors are using a system to cool his body,” Quinones said, referring to a medical technique that can be used to prevent or reduce brain damage or swelling following head trauma.
“They are scheduled to do more testing on him later today,” Quinones said.
Cedillo, a 24-year-old native of Guatemala, was thrown from his mount, Spectacular Road, who stumbled in the run down the backstretch while racing on the lead in a $5,000 claiming race. The rider was catapulted forward over Spectacular Road's neck, then appeared to be struck by either his mount's hind legs or by a horse immediately behind him.
Spectacular Road continued racing and was eventually caught by an outrider.
Quinones said doctors are limiting visitors, though the rider's fiancee and an uncle have been with him. Spectacular Road's trainer, Gary Johnson, has been to the hospital in hopes of seeing him, Quinones added.
“His uncle said that he moved his feet yesterday,” Quinones said.
Cedillo was a rising star on the Ohio circuit, winning the fall riding title at Mahoning Valley in 2022 and finishing fifth in the standings earlier this year.
Cedillo had entertained joining his cousin, jockey Abel Cedillo, in Southern California earlier this year, but opted to remain in Ohio.
Many people took to social media to offer their prayers for the young rider, among them horsewoman Mary Lightner, who said Cedillo was part of her team breaking young horses for her stable.
Mauro is my friend. He was part of Lightner Racing for years before starting his successful career as a jockey. He broke many horses for us, ie, Plus Que Parfait, Chance It, Dean Martini & Island Commish. He's an excellent horseman, more importantly a tremendous man. Please pray. pic.twitter.com/rJhz5bt3tw
— Mary Lightner (@marymlight11) May 2, 2023
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