Jamie Hernandez really captured our thoughts with her comments following what happened on January 21 at Churchill Downs. “Jockey life isn’t for the faint of heart.” Oh no, it isn’t. Being Brian Hernandez Jr.’s wife makes it a lot more difficult, as the highs of iconic race wins like last year’s Kentucky Derby are often shadowed by fears of life-threatening incidents on the track. And September 21 was one really horrible day.

From the onset, it looked bad, the accident that took place in race number 3 of the Sunday card at Churchill Downs. The initial news came out that Hernandez had seven fractured ribs, a punctured lung, a lacerated liver, and internal bleeding. The fans have been waiting eagerly for some kind of positive update regarding the 2024 Kentucky Derby winner following news of his scheduled surgery. And the jockey himself took to X to share his update.

“I had a successful surgery today to stabilize my ribs. I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers!” the jockey said in his tweet on September 24. “The doctors and nurses here at UofL have been absolutely fantastic. Hopefully one step closer to going home. Many thanks 🙏”. This has put a lot of anxiety among the fans to rest, and we hope for a speedy return to the tracks for the Kentucky Derby winner.

We have seen a few serious accidents on the track in the last few weeks, which have left the jockeys seriously injured and needing hospitalization. For Hernandez, it was a result of his mount, Sgt. Garcia, suffering an injury in the left foreleg, which was later disclosed to be a compound fracture. At the start of the race, the Kenny McPeek trainee was also bumped, which may have caused the injury.

The injury caused St. Garcia to dislodge his jockey, and it immediately looked like Hernandez needed medical attention. He was taken to the intensive care unit at the University of Louisville Hospital. It was later revealed that unfourtunately St. Garcia had to be euthanized following this incident.

As for Brian Hernandez, the road to complete recovery will take time. But the fact that he is doing well was a much-needed welcome news as the fans came online to wish him a speedy recovery.

The Kentucky Derby winner showered with love by the fans

As the tweet from the 39-year-old jockey dropped, the fans have been pouring in. One of them said, “Glad you appear to be allright !! Wishing a speedy recovery for you 🙏”. Another fan said, “Get better. Praying for you.” The prognosis is that the 2012 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner will stay sidelined for 6-8 weeks, which means he is surely set to miss Keeneland’s Fall Meet, which takes place from October 3-25 at the Lexington track.

One fan wrote, “Best wishes, Brian. Will miss you at Keeneland.” He surely will be missed, especially as the defending champion at the Blue Grass Stakes, which is a key Kentucky Derby prep race. He won it aboard Burnham Square, who also ran in the 2025 Run to the Roses.

One fan wrote, “Good to hear from you. Continued prayers for a quick recovery & for your wife, boys, as well the rest of your family.  Don’t rush to get back in the saddle, be sure to heal your body properly.  God Bless Brian & thank you for sharing.” A truly lovely and heartfelt message. Another fan added, “Rooting for you my man ! You been one of the good guys for many yrs and of course Jamie too !! Hang in there !!”

No arguments there about Brian Hernandez’s conduct and professionalism. He has been a symbol of sportsmanship and integrity on the track over the course of his almost 20,000 starts on the saddle. And he has been an exemplary figure off the track as well. In fact, Hernandez was the recipient of the 2024 Mike Venezia Memorial Award, a distinction given to jockeys who exemplify remarkable sportsmanship and citizenship and elevate the class of the sport.

His absence from the sport will be felt. But we want Brian Hernandez to be at his best, feeling healthy, and making a safe return to horse racing when his body permits. Till then, take care, Brian!