Jockey Luis Rivera, Jr. was transported to Saratoga Hospital after his mount in Friday's eighth race at Saratoga, Rock Harbor (Exaggerator), fell inside the final furlong of the one-mile claiming event over the inner turf course. Rivera was sent for evaluation of his left leg and hip, according to a release from the New York Racing Association's Patrick McKenna.
Rivera's agent, Jimmy Riccio, later posted an update on X to say the rider was sore, but uninjured.
Really happy to say that @jockeylriverajr avoided injury. Thank God for that and appreciate everyone who reached out. He's a little sore but will rest and see how he feels in the morning 🙏
— Jimmy Riccio (@RiccioJimmy) August 15, 2025
Rock Harbor walked onto the waiting equine ambulance with assistance and was taken to Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital for further examination. Daily Racing Form's David Grening later reported that trainer Jimmy Ferraro indicated that there appeared to be no bone breaks and that she might have suffered a soft-tissue injury.
In the same race, Bunny Honey (Demarchelier {GB}), who had drawn in from the also-eligible list, was pulled up by Joel Rosario, who reported that the horse was 'not travelling well.' NYRA veterinarians who responded found no signs of injury initially. Bunny Honey was also transported by equine ambulance to the barn area for further evaluation.
Two races later, Rosario was also aboard State of Readiness (Majestic City) when the 4-year-old gelding suffered an injury to his right hind. Rosario pulled up the Charlton Baker runner, who was immediately attended to by on-site veterinarians. They quickly determined State of Readiness had multiple inoperable fractures and euthanized him.
Officials at NYRA confirmed State of Readiness is the third racing fatality of the summer meet, which began July 10. There have also been two training fatalities this summer.
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