68 Year Old Jockey Injured at Remington Park

White Legged Cowboy flopped over to his side just before loading into the starting gate to compete in a Graham Paint & Appaloosa Futurity trial. When the 2-year-old Paint fell over, he impacted and rolled over Brooks. Trained by Luis Villafranco, the gelding was subsequently ridden by Jesus Salazar, finishing third.

Remington Park medical staffers immediately came to the aide of the jockey and he was transported to the University of Oklahoma Medical Center in Oklahoma City.

Jockey Jimmy Brooks, Roy’s son and currently tied for the lead in the Remington Park rider standings, reported that his father came through surgery for a broken pelvis and torn urethra well. The younger Brooks said that Roy was in good spirits and could already put some weight on his legs.

According to his wife, Connie, both his urologist and orthopedic doctor felt the surgery went well.

“He was already telling them he needed to be out of there and get back to the track so his spirits were good,” Mrs. Brooks said.

Roy Brooks was inducted into the Oklahoma Horse Racing Hall of Fame at Remington Park in March. He is currently tied for ninth in the Remington Park jockey standings with 14 wins from 124 starts. He is the second-oldest competing jockey behind Richard Rettele. However, Brooks rides regularly around the country while Rettele has only ridden in two races this year, both on Saturday at Indiana Downs.

Brooks has 29 career Remington Park stakes wins, ranking fourth in the history of American Quarter Horse and mixed-breed racing at the track. Brooks has ridden such local champions as Texas Hero and Bullions and Garters. He is expected to remain at the OU Medical Center for the remainder of the week.

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