Jockey Dennis Means is on the road to recovery after a neck injury in March at Louisiana Downs.

© Scott Martinez

VINTON, LA—JUNE 30, 2015—Former All American Futurity winning jockey Dennis Means is on the road to recovery after sustaining a neck fracture that occurred in a race back in March at Louisiana Downs.

The 38-year-old native of Carrizozo, New Mexico was aboard a two-year old non-starter in the fourth-race of the March 25th race card in Bossier City, when the horse broke in sharply at the break and galloped out 10 strides from the starting gate before stumbling. Means tumbled over the fallen horse to the ground, and initially returned to the jockeys room before seeking further medical attention later that night.

“I wanted it to not be as serious as it was, and even refused to get in the ambulance initially,” said Means. “I got back to the jockeys room and my finger, arm and legs went numb. I went on to seek medical attention, and my initial diagnosis was that it would not require surgery. I was referred to another doctor by my friend, jockey John Hamilton, in Lafayette (LA) and that doctor determined it was absolutely necessary.”

As a result of the accident on the racetrack at Louisiana Downs, Means suffered three crushed disks and a fracture of the C-7 vertebrae. In the neck, the C-7 vertebrae is the lowest of the cervical vertebra.

“I had surgery to repair the injury, and I am happy to tell you that I have all the feeling back in all my arms, legs, and fingers,” said Means. “I was very lucky that it wasn’t any worse than it was. I could return to riding now if the doctors would release me sooner. I have been told that the doctor doesn’t foresee releasing me to a return to riding until the first part of August. I look forward to a return at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans.

Means was aboard John Bassett trained Ausual Suspect to win the 2001 G1 All American Futurity. According to the AQHA, Means has been victorious 867 times from 7,302 lifetime starts. His mounts have earned a total of $10,236,773.