Javier Castellano almost lost his Kentucky Derby ride on Gemologist when he was involved in a spill on Friday at Churchill Downs.
Fortunately, his injuries appear superficial. Castellano is expected to be aboard the undefeated Gemologist in the 1 1-4 mile Derby.
The mishap occurred aboard Star Channel in the American Turf Stakes, the ninth race on the Friday card, when the 3-year-old unexpectedly swerved on the final turn. Castellano was tossed onto the grass softened by an earlier rain storm. He was removed from the track on a stretcher as a precaution but returned for the final two races on the card, including a third-place finish on Grace Hall in the $1 million Kentucky Oaks. He wore a bandage under a swollen left eye.
Star Channel was apparently uninjured.
Gemologist, trained by Todd Pletcher, is 5-for-5 heading into the Derby on Saturday.
