Juan Carlos Noriega Suffers Forehead Laceration After Monday Fall at Palermo

The Córdoba-born jockey was injured in the third race aboard Dolittle, who stumbled at the break and fell. After receiving medical attention at Clínica Bazterrica, he was released later in the evening

The Louvre Posted His Second Victory in One of Palermo’s Final Races of the Year / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The final card of the year at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo was far from memorable—quite the opposite. Still, with just 10 races on the program, total handle climbed to ARS 427,053,712, averaging ARS 42,705,371 per race. Not a bad figure, especially considering that many bettors are already away during the holiday week.

Beyond Rugiente’s (Il Campione) victory in the Jorge A. Ricardo Stakes, there was little of note on the racing front. The main negative of the afternoon came in the third race, when Juan Carlos Noriega suffered a fall while riding Dolittle. The John F Kennedy colt stumbled badly at the break and sent the Córdoba-born jockey crashing to the ground. Although Noriega quickly got to his feet, he was taken as a precaution to Clínica Bazterrica.

Buenos Aires track medical services later issued the following statement: “Juan Carlos Noriega was assisted by the ambulance after his accident and transferred to the Racing Medical Service, where his condition was evaluated. There were no signs of injury to the cervical, thoracic or abdominal regions, nor to the upper extremities. However, a contusion was noted in the frontal region. He was transferred to Clínica Bazterrica, where sutures were applied to the affected area and diagnostic studies (CT scan) were carried out. He was discharged later that night.”

On the track, perhaps the most noteworthy performance came early in the program, when Estadía (Il Campione–Shankyira, by Sebi Halo; Haras El Paraíso) captured the Premio Much Better over 1000 meters on dirt for mares aged six and up with three or four wins. Making full use of the apprentice allowance of Matías Muñiz, she prevailed by a half-length over Rare Humor (Safety Check), to whom she conceded four kilos, stopping the clock in :58.66. Pablo M. Bustamante saddled the winner for stable El Ciclismo.

Three-year-olds had their share of the spotlight in the alternative ranks, with Santa Silvia (Hurricane Cat), Mancraftino(Manipulator) and Polacco (Il Mercato) all stepping forward to earn their respective promotions.

Late on the card, El Louvre (Grand Reward–Moma, by Mutakddim; Haras La Quebrada) stood out, posting his second career victory by 2 1/2 lengths in the Premio Gorylla (1000m), also within the alternative category.