Pincay Injured in Spill, Out at Least Six Weeks

Jockey Laffit Pincay will be sidelined for at least six weeks after breaking his left collarbone when his mount, Dr. Damascus, broke down shortly after the finish of the ninth race Thursday at Hollywood Park.

A 3-year-old colt trained by Hector Palma, Dr. Damascus was being eased up after finishing seventh when he broke the cannon bone in his left foreleg. Both horse and Pincay fell heavily.

Apprentice jockey Armando Bellido, who was aboard Financial Wizard, was also unseated when his horse tripped over the fallen Dr. Damascus. Dave Patton, riding Renegado, was able to hurdle Pincay, who had curled himself into a ball.

Dr. Damascus was running for the first time since breaking his maiden Aug. 10 at Los Alamitos. He had been scratched by the veterinarian from a $25,000 claimer at Del Mar on Aug. 24. The son of Damascus, who was destroyed on the track, was running for a $16,000 claiming price Thursday.

Pincay complained of pain immediately after the accident and X-rays taken at Centinela Hospital Medical Center revealed the fracture. He was treated by Dr. Mahmoud Nouh and released.

It was the second time this year that the world’s second-leading rider--he has 7,472 victories--has broken a collarbone and the 10th time in his 26-year career. Pincay broke his right collarbone Jan. 26 while competing in an exhibition harness race with several other jockeys at Los Alamitos. He was hurt while driving Trixie Norton, who tripped and fell at the start of the race.