Tiago Pereira Suffers Facial Fractures After Spill at Del Mar
- Turf Diario
- Jul 21
- 2 min read
Brazilian Jockey Out 8-10 Weeks, Faces Surgery; Origami Escapes with Minor Injuries
ARCADIA, California (Special for Turf Diario).- South American racing held its breath on Saturday during the fifth race on the turf at Del Mar, when Brazilian jockey Tiago Pereira suffered a heavy fall that resulted in facial fractures and will keep him out of action for at least two months.
The spill occurred at the turn when his mount, Origami, a daughter of More Than Ready, clipped heels with a rival and fell awkwardly. Pereira, 47, lay motionless on the track alongside the filly, who also took time to get up, creating significant concern. Although he initially tried to stand, the jockey soon lay back down until paramedics arrived, first taking him to the track’s first aid before transferring him to a nearby hospital.
Trainer Doug O’Neill, who conditions Origami, visited Pereira at the hospital later that night and provided an encouraging update: “He has small fractures in his cheekbone, so they’re going to do some facial surgery. But he’s in great spirits and very good hands. The doctor even joked that he’ll look like George Clooney when it’s done,” he said with a smile.
Pereira’s agent, Craig Stephens, estimated the rider will be out between eight and ten weeks, with surgery scheduled for the coming days. “He’s going to be fine, he just needs time to recover,” he assured.
As for Origami, the filly was able to get up under her own power and was transported back to the barn via equine ambulance. Fortunately, she only sustained a cut that required seven stitches. O’Neill added: “Thank God she’s okay. She’ll wear a compression wrap for a few days, but she’s walking and trotting fine. She was lucky.”
Tiago Pereira, one of the most respected and beloved jockeys on the California circuit, has amassed over 3,100 wins in his long career, including a Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) aboard Tapizar in 2012.
Comments