Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Florent Geroux in intensive care after horrific mid-race fall

SportHorse Racing Florent Geroux celebrates atop Monomoy Girl after winning the Breeders’ Cup Distaff horse race at Keeneland Race Course, in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Credit: AP KENTUCKY Derby-winning jockey Florent Geroux is in intensive care following a truly horrible mid-race fall. The multiple Group 1-winning rider – who is one of the top pilots in America – was rushed to hospital after a terrible spill last Thursday. Florent Geroux on Mandaloun, centre, remains in intensive care in hospital after a horrible spill last Thursday – he was awarded the 2021 Kentucky Derby after first past the post Medina Spirit was disqualified for a failed drugs test Credit: Reuters Geroux, 40, who won the Derby on Mandaloun in 2021, was flung from two-year-old Flip Flop Freak in the fourth race at Churchill Downs. Sadly, the two-year-old horse had broken down and had to be put to sleep. Geroux was reported to be ‘stable’ in ICU over the past few days. But an update on his condition posted by his agent Matt Nakatani provided a more positive outlook. He posted on X on Tuesday evening: “Florent has remained in the ICU since his spill on Thursday night. “At this time, he is in good spirits and under great care at UofL Hospital. “Unfortunately, Florent has a few broken ribs and is still being monitored for any internal injuries. “We are hoping he can return home in the coming days. Most read in Horse Racing “As soon as we have a timetable for his return to the saddle, we will provide more information. “Florent is focused on getting back to 110 per cent as soon as he can. “We are thankful it wasn’t any worse! “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the texts and calls during this difficult time.” Geroux was awarded the 2021 Derby on Mandaloun after first past the post Medina Spirit failed a drugs test. The French jockey had finished a half-length runner-up on the Juddmonte-owned roughie at odds of around 25-1. Medina Spirit died suddenly in December 2021 and Mandaloun was unofficially given the race in February the following year. However, it was not until February 2024, after Medina Spirit’s trainer Bob Baffert dropped all appeals, that Mandaloun was officially recognised as the winner. Medina Spirit was forced to forfeit all prize money and officially placed last. Geroux has won just shy of £150million on the track in the States alone. Some of his biggest wins include the 2017 Breeders’ Cup Classic aboard Gun Runner and last year’s Dubai World Cup on Hit Show. Comment now