Dominguez moved out of ICU

Jockey Ramon Dominguez, a patient at New York-Presbyterian

Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, was transferred Thursday from the

Neurological Intensive Care Unit to a Medical Step-Down Unit, where he will

continue his recovery. Dominguez was diagnosed with a skull fracture as a result

of a spill on January 18 at Aqueduct.

"The step-down unit is an intermediate location between the

ICU and a regular, inpatient room," said the three-time Eclipse champion

jockey's wife, Sharon Dominguez. "Ramon's doctors say he is recovering well, and

we're beginning to discuss his rehab options."

There is currently no timetable for Dominguez's release

from New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and doctors

have prohibited him from having visitors.

"We're so appreciative of everyone's support, thoughts, and

prayers," Sharon Dominguez said. "Many people have also given generously in

Ramon's name to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF), which is a cause

he has always been passionate about. Those vital donations provide financial

assistance to permanently disabled riders, and we would encourage anyone who

wishes to show support for Ramon to donate at

www.pdjf.org."

Dominguez was unseated during the running of the 7TH race on January

18 when his mount, Convocation, appeared to clip heels with the eventual

winner, Sovereign Default. Convocation, who stumbled and fell, did not appear to

be seriously injured in the incident and was walked off the track.

A native of Venezuela, Dominguez led all riders on the NYRA circuit in 2012 with

322 victories and led the nation in earnings with $25.6 million. Fellow New York

jockeys John Velazquez and Javier Castellano accepted the 2012 Eclipse Award on

behalf on Dominguez at the awards ceremony on January 19 in Hallandale Beach,

Florida.

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