Cordero Is Released From Hospital

Hall of Fame jockey Angel Cordero Jr., who sustained multiple injuries in a violent four-horse spill at Aqueduct on Jan. 12, was released Wednesday from Long Island Jewish Hospital to begin a lengthy recuperation at home.

Cordero, 49, sustained internal injuries, a broken elbow and several broken ribs in the spill and underwent surgery to remove his spleen the day after the accident. He was moved out of the intensive care unit nine days later.

Cordero, the third leading rider in thoroughbred racing history with more than 7,000 victories--including two Kentucky Derbies--would not speculate whether his injuries would force his retirement.

“All I want to do is get well first, and everything else will work out,” Cordero said. “I’m feeling better but I’ve got a long way to go.”