Jockey Wilson in critical condition after spill

BALTIMORE – Jockey Rick Wilson was in critical condition after falling off his horse during a race at Pimlico Race Course on Saturday.

Wilson was thrown from Advance to Go, who stumbled coming out of the gate in the second race. The jockey flipped head over heels to the ground and lay motionless, face down, as the field rounded the first turn.

The starting gate crew and track outriders then signaled the other riders to pull up their mounts.

Wilson was lifted from the ground and placed on a stretcher before being transported by helicopter to the Shock Trauma Unit at the University of Maryland Hospital.

There was no immediate word on the extent of Wilson’s injuries.

The race was ruled “no contest” by the stewards. All win, place, show, exacta and triple wagers were refunded. The daily double, a consolation 4-all, paid $11.

Wilson, 50, ranks 20th on the career wins list with 4,939. He has ridden in the Preakness five times.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Rick and his family,” said Lou Raffetto, CEO of the Maryland Jockey Club.

AP-ES-05-08-04 1826EDT