LOS ALAMITOS, CA—JUNE 15, 2013—Jockey Santiago Mendez was conscious and alert, but is expected to be kept hospitalized overnight for further observation after being involved in an accident in the winner’s circle area following the running of Saturday’s $61,600 Los Alamitos Claiming Futurity at Los Alamitos Race Course.

Mendez was in the winner’s circle after guiding the Dan Ray and John Orlandini-owned filly Alota Cartel to an impressive wire-to-wire ¾ length victory in the 350-yard Claiming Futurity for 2-year-old Quarter Horses.

But all thoughts immediately turned to Mendez when his mount bucked him off to the ground as they prepared to have their photograph taken. The jockey appeared to be unconscious immediately after the fall, but he regained alertness several minutes later according to various reports.

He was transported to Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. The talented rider is currently the meet’s eighth leading Quarter Horse jockey with 22 victories. An update on his condition will follow as soon as more information becomes available. Alota Cartel walked out of the winner’s circle under her own power.

Courtesy of www.losalamitos.com