Jockey Marquez Still Critical but Making Progress

Jockey Carlos Marquez remained in critical condition Thursday at Methodist Hospital in Arcadia but was reported to be making progress after suffering head and neck injuries in a spill Wednesday at Santa Anita.

“His condition is stable,” said Dr. David Maline, the neurosurgeon in charge of the case. “He is still not fully conscious but is coming around a bit.”

Marquez, 44, is in a brace for three cervical anterior compression fractures and has two small intracerebral hemorrhages and a concussion, but he is moving his arms and legs, Maline said.

The veteran jockey was thrown when his mount, Alydad, tripped and fell on the final turn during Wednesday’s eighth race. The Santa Anita stewards conducted an immediate inquiry into the incident but determined that no other horse or rider was to blame for the accident.

Jockey Sandy Hawley, also injured when he fell from Serious Play in an attempt to avoid Alydad, remained overnight at Methodist Hospital and was released Thursday after suffering a bruised rib cage.