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GoFundMe Campaign Started for Injured Rider Vince Halliday

A GoFundMe.com campaign has been started for jockey Vince Halliday, who suffered serious injuries in a July 15 race at Delaware Park.

According to his wife, Stephanie Pastore, Halliday's injuries include: two small brain bleeds, a C-4 neck fracture, several thoracic fractures, a sternum fracture, a scapular fracture and a broken elbow.

Riding the filly Tua (Normandy Invasion) in a maiden claiming race, Halliday went down when his mount clipped heels with another horse. Pastore said that while there have been no signs of paralysis, Halliday has a difficult period in front of him.

“That I don't know,” she said when asked if Halliday will be able to ride again. “There's not going to be any surgery required for his fractures, but it's going to be a long, long rehab. Knowing Vince, I am sure he will want to go back to riding.”

Pastore said that the bills are already piling up. Halliday has won two races this year and his mounts have earned $75,165.

“Unfortunately, when you are a jockey, if you're not working and racing you're not making any money,” she said. “I work in retail, and I haven't been going to work. So, it's the same for me. I'm not making any money if I'm not working. There are things in place to help jockeys out, but with all the medical bills and trying to pay our mortgage it's going to require some help.”

Jennifer Shannon, who organized the GoFundMe, posted an update Tuesday that read, “Vince remains in the ICU at Christiana Hospital. His brain bleeds have stabilized however he still has not gained the ability to use his arms. The injuries to Vince's neck and lungs have made it very difficult to breathe on his own. Doctors have had no choice but to intubate to keep his Oxygen levels up. He is unable to speak or swallow on his own.

“Attempts to remove the breathing tube have been unsuccessful. Additional MRI's have shown multiple fractures to vertebrae and an additional fracture in his sternum.

“His wife Stephanie has been at his side and is relentless in aiding his recovery and encouraging Vince to stay strong. Vince is very frustrated that he cannot move his arms, speak, or breathe on his own. Vince was able to nod at letters in the alphabet to communicate, anyone that knows Vince will not be surprised to learn that he asked about the well-being ofTua, the filly that fell with him, Vince was happy to learn she will be okay.

“Vince and Stephanie are grateful for the support and the outpouring of love for Vince. Please continue to Pray for Vince and Stephanie during this difficult time.”

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Steve Asmussen Giving Jockey Joel Dominguez A Leg Up At Louisiana Downs

It's hard to find a bigger story these days than the impending record-breaking feat of Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen, who is poised to surpass Dale Baird's record of 9,445 career wins.

Racing fans know Asmussen's tremendous accomplishments at all the major events in North America and beyond, but he has also made a lasting impact at smaller racetracks, and in boosting the careers of young jockeys.

Such is the case of Joel Dominguez, who is currently riding first call for Asmussen at Louisiana Downs.

Now in his fifth year at the Bossier City racetrack, Dominguez earned his first leading rider title last year at Louisiana Downs and currently tops the rider standings in the 2021 Thoroughbred meet. The 30-year-old native of Durango, Mexico galloped for Asmussen in Kentucky when he first came to the United States.

“When I was in Kentucky, I worked for Steve and he began to trust me galloping some of his top horses,” said Dominguez. “I remember the first time I worked Rachel Alexandra. That was very special and gave me so much confidence!”

Riding for Asmussen, who was both leading trainer and owner last year at Louisiana Downs, has been a privilege for Dominguez. He appreciates the quality of the horses' pedigrees and Asmussen's consummate preparation for each start.

“They are all well-trained,” he explained. “Steve has a mind like a computer; he is really smart and knows each horse. I have learned so much from him!”

While veterans Mike Smith, Stewart Elliott, Jose Ortiz, Joel Rosario and Ricardo Santana, Jr., are in the winner's circle for the heralded graded stakes victories, Asmussen has played a pivotal role in developing the careers of up and coming Thoroughbred jockeys.

With between one and three Asmussen runners entered daily at Louisiana Downs, Dominguez certainly hopes he will ride the tying or even better, the mount who surpasses Dale Baird's record.

“I would really like to do that,” acknowledged Dominguez. “But even if it does not happen here, it means so much that he has chosen me to ride for him. I am excited for Steve and really proud to be part of his team.”

The post Steve Asmussen Giving Jockey Joel Dominguez A Leg Up At Louisiana Downs appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Shaun Bridgmohan, Antonio Gallardo Shift Tack To Woodbine

Veteran jockeys Shaun Bridgmohan and Antonio Gallardo have both shifted their tack to Woodbine for the 2021 season, reports the Daily Racing Form, where they will be represented by agent Tom Patton. Patton formerly represented the recently-retired six-time Sovereign Award-winner Eurico Rosa da Silva.

Bridgmohan had been riding the Kentucky circuit, while Gallardo was most recently based at Presque Isle.

“I think the caliber of riders here has just shot up,” Patton told DRF. “When you've won as many races as Shaun, I don't care who you are, you're pretty good, and he's been riding against the best. He's been second in the Kentucky Derby, and second in Breeders' Cup races. He's done it all.

“Antonio has been the second-leading rider in North America twice in wins. In the last seven years, he's been in the top six five times. I think they're both really good riders.”

Bridgmohan began his Canadian tenure on Sunday, while Gallardo's first mounts come on Thursday's card.

‘Humble Champion’: Australian Jockey Jamie Kah Sets New Record For Single-Season Winners

Racing records were rewritten at Caulfield last weekend when Jamie Kah became the first jockey in the history of Victorian racing to ride 100 metropolitan winners in a season.

With her victory aboard Deep Speed in Race 2 on Saturday, Kah surpassed the previous record of 99.5 winners – a tally which included a dead-heat – set by Brett Prebble in the 1999-2000 season.

Racing Victoria (RV) Chairman, Brian Kruger, has paid tribute to Kah on her achievement and the mark she has made on Victorian racing since relocating from South Australia in January 2019.

“On behalf of Racing Victoria and the broader Victorian racing industry, I would like to congratulate Jamie on reaching this historic milestone of 100 metropolitan wins in a season at Caulfield today.

“We are truly blessed to have witnessed the feats of some incredible jockeys here in Victoria throughout history and for Jamie to tread where no other has is something that she should be incredibly proud of.

“The greatest part of Jamie's achievement is the manner in which she has gone about it through hard work, dedication and a willingness to challenge herself to be the best she can be.

“Jamie is a humble champion and a wonderful ambassador for Thoroughbred racing. She epitomizes everything that is great about our sport – a love of the horse and an opportunity for all to compete on a level playing field.

“Jamie is inspiring the future stars of our sport, both through her incredible achievements in the saddle and the way she conducts herself. She is a wonderful role model for those embarking on a career in racing.

“We are privileged to be able to watch Jamie showcase her talents week in, week out here in Victoria and we look forward to following her career as she chases more success in the seasons to come.”

RV has commissioned a commemorative poster in Monday's Herald Sun to celebrate Kah's milestone and will formally recognize her achievement at the season-ending 2020-21 Victorian Racing Awards.

Saturday's milestone capped a memorable two months for the 25-year-old, who also recorded her 1000th career win at Sportsbet-Pakenham on May 12 and became Australia's most successful female jockey in Group 1 races landing her sixth title aboard Vega One in Queensland's Kingsford Smith Cup on May 29.

Kah has a further five metropolitan meetings in which to add to her record-breaking tally for the 2020-21 racing season.

Kah, who will officially claim her first Victorian metropolitan jockeys' premiership when the season concludes at The Valley on July 31, 2021, led her nearest rival Damian Lane by 37 wins after posting her 100th winner.

The post ‘Humble Champion’: Australian Jockey Jamie Kah Sets New Record For Single-Season Winners appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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