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HomeNewsJockey Andrew Lakeman paralyzed from waist down

Jockey Andrew Lakeman paralyzed from waist down

| Source: kentucky.com

NEW YORK — Jockey Andrew Lakeman was told Wednesday night that he is paralyzed from the waist down as a result of a spill suffered at Belmont Park on May 25, according to family spokesman Tom Daughn. “Andrew is very frustrated, angry and scared,” Daughn said.

Lakeman is recovering in the surgical intensive care unit at North Shore University Hospital in Long Island, where his condition is listed as guarded.

According to Daughn, Lakeman’s spinal cord was severed when he was thrown from his mount Our Montana Dream during the running of the fourth race. “He’ll never walk again,” Daughn said.

In addition to the spine injury, the 32-year-old also punctured a lung and broke several ribs. He still needs to be on a respirator occasionally as he is also battling a slight case of pneumonia.

Daughn, who worked in the past as an assistant trainer for John Campo Sr. and Leroy Jolley, said Lakeman will be sent to a Rehabilitation center in a week to 10 days once his injuries have stabilized.

There he will be taught “to live life with a wheelchair,” Daughn said.

Daughn added that other jockeys, led by Edgar Prado, already have contributed to his medical bills and that the Andrew Lakeman Assistance Fund has been set up by the Backstretch Employee Service Team.

By Herald-Leader Wire Services

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