Bodog Beat

Jockey John Velazquez was involved in a collision at Keeneland that put him in the hospital. (AP Image)

Jockey John Velazquez, who was onboard Tap Dancing in yesterday's Seventh Race at Keeneland was hospitalized after a collision with Whacka Whacka and jockey Jamie Theriot.

The accident occurred in the early stretch of the 6.5 furlong race which was the Maiden Special Weight race on Friday October 3, 2008.

The accident started when Theriot and Whacka Whacka clipped hooves with Rapid Mon. Unfortunately for Tap Dancing and Velazquez, the collision with Whacka Whacka that followed was unavoidable. Both jockeys hit the track and laid there for several minutes. Luckily for Theriot he was able to walk to the First Aid room, however, the motionless Velazquez was taken by ambulance to the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington. The veterinarians at the track reported neither horse was seriously injured in the collision.

John Velazquez who recently won his 4,000th race was said to be “awake and alert but pretty banged up” by fellow jockey Theriot.

In April of 2006, Velazquez was involved in another accident at Keeneland where he broke his shoulder and cracked his ribs. Dr. Barry Schumer, Keeneland’s medical director, stated “Velazquez was able to move his extremities and remained conscious” about the two-time Eclipse Award winner.

Velazquez is currently recuperating in the Lexington hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.