Stevens Has Collapsed Lung

Although he did not break any bones, jockey Gary Stevens did suffer a collapsed lung in the bizarre mishap at the finish of Saturday’s Arlington Million at Arlington Park.

The Hall of Fame rider was unseated when favored Storming Home, who crossed the wire first, veered out sharply just before the finish. Stevens hit the ground hard and was clipped by a trailing horse. He said afterward that his left shoulder had been stepped on.

Storming Home, who is trained by Neil Drysdale, was disqualified and placed fourth for causing interference. Sulamani, the second choice, was made the official winner.

In a conversation with Joe Harper, Del Mar’s president, chief executive officer and general manager, Eddie Goldstone, Stevens’ theatrical agent, said his client hopes to be released from Northwest Community Hospital, which is near Arlington Park, on Wednesday.

“He’s still in the critical care unit of the hospital and is experiencing some pain, but his spirits are very high,” said Del Mar spokesman Dan Smith, relating what Harper was told by Goldstone.

Taken off the seven mounts he was named on at Del Mar for Sunday and Monday, Stevens plans on keeping his commitment to the unbeaten Candy Ride in Sunday’s $1-million Pacific Classic.

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Harlan’s Holiday, who finished last in Saturday’s $300,000 Saratoga Breeders’ Cup Handicap, is likely to be retired after being injured in the race.

Trainer Todd Pletcher said the 4-year-old suffered an injury to his right hind leg.

“It’s unlikely he’ll race again just because of the timing of the injury,” Pletcher said. “We’re in August of his final year of racing, and in order for something like that to heal, it would take more time than there’s time left in the year.”

Owned by Starlight Stable, Harlan’s Holiday has nine wins from 22 starts and has earned more than $3.6 million.

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Prepping for Saturday’s $1-million Travers Stakes, Empire Maker had his final major workout for the Grade I, going six furlongs in 1:12 3/5 two mornings ago for trainer Bobby Frankel.

With Funny Cide unlikely to participate, the probable entrants for the Travers, which is run at 1 1/4 miles, are Empire Maker, who had a six-furlong workout of 1:12 3/5 on Saturday morning for trainer Bobby Frankel, Jim Dandy winner Strong Hope, Congrats, Sky Mesa, Wild and Wicked and Ten Most Wanted.