National Champion Jockey Jacky Martin Injured At Ruidoso Downs Before Season’s Largest Purse

A national champion jockey has been injured during a riding accident at Ruidoso Downs.

56-year-old Jacky Martin, defending national champion and seven-time All American Futurity winner, sustained neck injuries, suffering three neck fractures. Martin is not paralyzed, and was airlifted to an El Paso hospital.

Martin’s horse, Phire Power, broke down following the finish of the 300-yard sixth race, throwing him to the ground Friday afternoon.

He was scheduled to ride fastest qualifier Ochoa on Monday’s Grade 1, $2.4 million All American Futurity, the race which has the largest purse at Ruidoso Downs. Martin was also scheduled to ride Prospect To The Top in Sunday’s Grade 1, $1.3 million All American Derby.

Martin was named the 2010 champion jockey, after earning $3.2 million with his mounts last year.

The member of the Ruidoso Downs Racehorse Hall of Fame has ridden nearly 3,000 winners and the earners of more than $46.4 million during his career, which began in 1972.