Velazquez offers thanks following spill

Jockey John Velazquez, Chairman of the Jockeys' Guild, continues to recover

at his home in Long Island, New York. Velazquez was injured on November 2 at

Santa Anita when his mount, Secret Compass, broke down during the running of the

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies.

"Thankfully, the paramedics were there to work on me right away and made the

decision to go to a trauma hospital. That helped saved my life," Velazquez said.

After the accident, Velazquez was taken to Huntington Memorial Hospital in

Pasadena, California. Upon arrival, the trauma team set to work on Velazquez. It

was quickly determined he had severe internal injuries and within minutes was

taken in for emergency surgery. Surgeons removed Velazquez' spleen and repaired

a damaged pancreas.

"I would like to thank Dr. Brian Lugo and Dr. Jonathan Phillips," Velazquez

said. "The doctors, my nurses in ICU, and entire staff were excellent. They took

really good care of me."

Velazquez spent five days in the hospital and another five days in California

before returning home to New York.

"So many people helped Leona and me while we were in California," Velazquez

said. "We'd like to thank Craig Fravel and the Breeders' Cup for their help when

Leona and I needed to stay longer. Mr. Scott Ford (who owned Secret Compass) was

responsible in getting my children and us home to New York and we are very

thankful for his help."

"We'd also like to thank Bob and Jill Baffert for their help and kindness,"

Velazquez added.

According to doctors in New York, Velazquez' recovery is progressing nicely

and will follow up with another appointment next month.

"I really wanted to thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes,"

Velazquez said. "I really appreciate it. I'm doing well and looking forward to a

full recovery."

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