Jockey
Ramon Dominguez,
a patient at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical
Center, was transferred Thursday from the Neurological Intensive Care
Unit to a Medical Step-Down Unit, where he will
continue his recovery. Dominguez was diagnosed with a skull fracture as
a result of a spill on January 18 at Aqueduct Racetrack.
“The step-down unit is
an intermediate location between the ICU and a regular, inpatient room,”
said the three-time Eclipse champion jockey’s wife,
Sharon Dominguez. “Ramon’s doctors say he is recovering well, and we’re beginning to discuss his rehab options.”
There is currently no
timetable for Dominguez’s release from New York-Presbyterian
Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and doctors have prohibited him
from having visitors.
“We’re so appreciative
of everyone’s support, thoughts, and prayers,” Sharon Dominguez said.
“Many people have also given generously in Ramon’s name to the
Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF), which is a
cause he has always been passionate about. Those vital donations
provide financial assistance to permanently disabled riders, and we
would encourage anyone who wishes to show support for Ramon to donate at
www.pdjf.org.”
Dominguez was unseated during the running of the seventh race on Friday,
January 18, when his mount, Convocation, appeared to clip heels with
the eventual winner, Sovereign Default. Convocation, who stumbled and
fell, did not appear to be seriously injured
in the incident and was walked off the track.
A native of Venezuela,
Dominguez led all riders on the NYRA circuit in 2012 with 322 victories
and led the nation in earnings with $25.6 million. Fellow
New York jockeys John Velazquez and
Javier Castellano accepted the 2012 Eclipse Award on behalf on Dominguez
at the awards ceremony on January 19 in
Hallandale Beach,
Fla.