Surgery for injured apprentice

Apprentice Kareem Richardson-Garvey, who was seriously injured in a spill at Caymanas Park on Wednesday and had to be rushed to the University Hospital of the West Indies, underwent surgery yesterday.

The young rider, who graduated from the Jockeys' School in August 2009 and began riding the following month, had a horrific fall when his mount RINALI stumbled while disputing the lead approaching the half mile in the second race over 1300 metres.

Richardson-Garvey was kicked in the head by one of the horses coming from behind. He was rushed to the first-aid post with a serious head injury.

Horse died

According to reports, the para-medics at the first-aid post found it difficult to remove his helmet as his head was not only bleeding but swollen. He was then rushed to the University Hospital of the West Indies as a result.

Trainer Delroy Wisdom, who conditioned RINALI, said the fall proved fatal for the lightly raced four-year-old colt.

"The horse didn't die right away, but was taken to the stable where he died late in the afternoon," disclosed Wisdom yesterday.

Significantly, Richardson-Garvey's accident occurred in the region of the course where popular lightweight jockey Al Gopie was killed in a spill on Saturday, November 20, 1999.

Garvey-Richardson has so far ridden two winners, the more recent, NAHIMA for trainer Gordon Lewis, on Saturday, August 14.

- O.C.