FAIRPLEX : Gann Suffers Neck Injury, No Paralysis

Jockey Sandi Gann, champion of the 1991-92 season at Turf Paradise in Phoenix, suffered ligament damage and two broken bones in her neck along with a dislocated right thumb when she was thrown in the 12th race Wednesday at Fairplex Park.

“There’s no paralysis,” said Ivan Puhich, Gann’s agent. “She is very lucky.”

Jockey Frank Alvarado was held responsible for the spill by Fairplex Park stewards David Samuel, Tom Ward and Will Meyers. Alvarado’s mount, K Bar C, was dropped from fourth place to last, and the rider was given a five-day suspension.

Gann, 29, was aboard Unchained Princess, a longshot in the $110,000 Barretts Debutante Sales Stakes. They were running last as the field rounded the far turn when Gann’s mount clipped the heels of K Bar C. Unchained Princess stumbled, throwing Gann headfirst to the track.

“Alvarado said he had a horse in front of him who was stopping,” Samuel said. “But instead of taking up, he decided to drop in. He didn’t protect (Gann).”

Gann’s neck was in traction and she was speaking with well-wishers Thursday morning at Pomona Valley Hospital and Medical Center, where she will remain for the next few days.

According to Lew Disney, a neurological surgeon, Gann’s prognosis is for “full recovery.”

He added, however, that surgery might be required to insert a steel plate to support the neck, depending on the extent of ligament damage. Disney would not speculate on Gann’s return to a riding career.