LOS ALAMITOS, CA—JUNE 16, 2013—Jockey Santiago Mendez was released from the Long Beach Memorial Medical Center on Sunday afternoon and was resting at his home following an accident in the winner’s circle area following the running of Saturday’s $61,600 Los Alamitos Claiming Futurity.

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 mishap, but he regained alertness several minutes later. He was transported to Long Beach Memorial Medical Center and kept overnight for further observation. He was released on Sunday and while still sore, he was feeling better according to reports. The talented rider is currently the meet’s eighth leading Quarter Horse jockey with 22 victories. Alota Cartel walked out of the winner’s circle under her own power.

A daughter of Carters Cartel and out of the mare Alota Beduino, Alota Cartel has won three of her four career outings with Mendez piloting her in all of her starts. CLICK HERE for complete Los Alamitos Claiming Futurity story.

Courtesy of www.losalamitos.com