Colorado Doctors Say Shoemaker Is Alert, Showing Improvement

An initial evaluation by doctors involved with the rehabilitation of former jockey Bill Shoemaker said he is alert, in stable condition and improving, according to a statement released Thursday by Craig Hospital of Englewood, Colo.

Doctors at the Swedish Medical Center said Shoemaker does not need cervical fusion surgery at this time. Shoemaker suffered a broken neck at the fourth cervical vertebra in an April 8 auto accident on the Foothill Freeway in San Dimas. He is a quadriplegic and needs a ventilator to assist his breathing.

Shoemaker, however, is breathing without the ventilator for a few minutes each day, the hospital said. Doctors familiar with spinal cord injuries said patients often are taught to breathe without the ventilator over a period of time.

“It is not yet known if he will be able to wean completely off the respirator,” said Indira Lanig, a Craig Hospital physician. “From a medical standpoint, however, at this juncture, he is doing well. He is right on course.”

Shoemaker retired from riding last year with 8,833 victories, most for a career. He became a trainer and had a barn at Santa Anita during the last meeting.