KENTUCKY Derby-winning jockey Brian Hernandez Jr is fighting for life in hospital – as his heartbroken wife asked for family, friends and fans to ‘say extra prayers’.
The top rider suffered a devastating fall in the third race at Churchill Downs, home of the Derby, in Louisville, Kentucky on Sunday.
Hernandez was abord the Kenny McPeek-trained two-year-old Sgt. Garcia when the horse got injured.
The colt threw Hernandez Jr forward and suffered a catalogue of horrendous injuries.
Hernandez Jr’s wife Jamie took to social media to update fans on his condition on Sunday.
And she asked them to ‘say extra prayers’ for him as he lay in intensive care at the University of Louisiana Hospital.
Jamie wrote: “Brian had a fall today and currently is in the ICU at UofL.
“Thank you for the prayers. Please keep them coming.
“Seven broken ribs. Punctured lung. Lacerated liver with a bleed that was repaired via procedure.
“Some bleeding they are monitoring.
“Jockey life isn’t for the faint of heart. Physically and mentally draining.
“Hug your loved ones tight.
“Please say extra prayers for Brian.”
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