Canadian jockey in critical condition after fall at Keeneland race track

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Canadian jockey Julia Brimo was in critical condition Friday night after being injured when her horse Golden Stride clipped heels and fell during a race at Keeneland.

The 33-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., was taken to the University of Kentucky Medical Center.

Brimo won the Sovereign Award as the top apprentice jockey in Canada in 2003, when she rode 75 winners.

Brimo was injured when Golden Stride fell on the far turn behind tiring pacesetter Major Advantage. Gihon, with jockey Larry Sterling aboard, stumbled over the fallen horse but appeared to avoid Brimo.

Golden Stride didn't appear to sustain major injury, galloping to the finish after the fall.

Brimo was cared for at Keeneland before being sent to hospital. The Keeneland medical crew reported Brimo's vital signs were stable and she was responsive.

A hospital official declined to comment further on her injuries.

Brimo had ridden in two previous races during the fall meeting at Keeneland prior to the start of racing Friday.

Brimo has raced in Canada at both Fort Erie and Woodbine racetracks.

Brimo registered four wins in 2007 at Woodbine but didn't race at all in 2008. She had recorded her first victory of 2009 at Turfway Park in Kentucky on Oct. 4, her first since September 2007.