Fogelsonger, Garcia uninjured in Laurel spill

Jockeys Ryan Fogelsonger and Geovany Garcia avoided serious injury after both

fell hard to the ground when unseated from their mounts during the 1ST race at

Laurel Park on Thursday.

Fogelsonger was aboard Bretton (David Copperfield) in the $10,000 claiming

event and battling for the lead when his mount broke down midway on the

backstretch, sending Fogelsonger hurtling to the right of his fallen mount.

Garcia, trailing aboard Nic's Amigo (Level Sands), was unseated when his mount

crashed head-long into Bretton.

Fogelsonger, the 2002 Eclipse Award-winning apprentice, was transported to

Howard County General Hospital complaining of pain in the middle of his back as

well as the left shoulder and left chest cavity regions. However, all the X-rays

were negative and the 26-year-old was discharged.

"I have never seen him in pain like that," said Kevin Witte, Fogelsonger's

longtime agent. The rider missed 48 racing days in 2005 with neck and back

injuries.

Garcia was transported to Laurel-Beltsville Hospital to have his right

shoulder X-rayed. Tests on the apprentice were negative and the 19-year-old is

expected to ride Friday according to his agent, Frank Douglas.

Bretton was euthanized. Nic's Amigo was able to get back to his feet and run

off but was caught by the outriders.