Forwarding: John Velazquez released from hospital

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

JOHN VELAZQUEZ RELEASED FROM

NORTON AUDUBON HOSPITAL

 

NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (June 19, 2012) – Jockeys’ Guild Chairman John Velazquez was released by his doctors at Norton Audubon Hospital in Louisville Kentucky this afternoon.  Velazquez was transported to the hospital on June 16^th after the horse he was riding in the 9^th race at Churchill Downs broke down.

 

Velazquez suffered an injury to his right shoulder, which was determined to a broken collarbone.  Doctors decided to have Velazquez remain for further observations as he had suffered such a traumatic blow to his kidney. 

 

“We would like to thank Dr. Bayard Rice and Dr. Ganesh Rao, as well as the entire staff and nurses at Audubon, who provided Johnny with such excellent care.  We are so grateful to them,” said Leona Velazquez, wife of John Velazquez.  “They did such a thorough job making sure that he was one hundred percent before he was released.”

 

Velazquez, along with his wife Leona, will be returning to his home in New York today and will follow up with his doctors at the Hospital for the Special Surgery in New York City.

 

“Many thanks to Heather Craig, assistant to Graham Motion, who was there the entire time with Johnny after the spill.  We would also like to express our sincere appreciation and special thanks to all family members, friends and fans for all of the well-wishes, calls, texts and visits during this time,” said Leona.

 

Doctors estimated that the kidney will heal on its own over the next two weeks.  No further determination with regards to Velazquez’s recovery time will be made until he has had an opportunity to meet with his doctors in New York.

 

CONTACT: Jockeys’ Guild (859) 523-JOCK (523-5625)

About the Guild

 

Jockeys’ Guild, Inc., the organization representing professional jockeys in Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing in the United States, was founded in May 1940 and has approximately 950 members, including active, retired and disabled jockeys. The purpose is to protect jockeys, strive to achieve a safer racing environment, to obtain improved insurance and other benefits for members and to monitor developments in local, state and federal laws affecting the racing industry, and in particular, the jockeys. More information at www.jockeysguild.com and www.facebook.com/jockeysguild.

 

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Joe Lilly

Executive Vice President

New West LLC

502-891-2546 (office)

502-494-0042 (cell)

jlilly@newwestagency.com