Jockey Rafael Bejarano suffers serious injuries

Rafael Bejarano, the top jockey in Southern California horse racing, suffered serious injuries on Saturday at Santa Anita after the horse he was riding in the fourth race broke down and unseated him.

Bejarano, 32, suffered a broken collarbone and a broken rib, according to his agent, Joe Ferrer. He did not suffer any brain or spinal injury. He was transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena and is expected to remain hospitalized for several days while being under observation.

The horse, Gameboy Luke, fell near the quarter pole in the 6 1/2-furlong turf race while in second place and was later euthanized. Bejarano was unseated and appeared to be struck by one of the trailing horses.

It is unkown how long Bejarano will be sidelined. His absence will deprive trainers and owners of the go-to rider in Southern California. He had 93 victories in the winter Santa Anita meeting, with his closest pursuer, Joe Talamo, having 54.