Broken neck could end Pincay's career

www.grandforks.com Posted on Thu, Mar. 06, 2003 BETH HARRIS Associated Press

ARCADIA, Calif. - Laffit Pincay Jr. broke a bone in his neck when he was thrown from his horse during a race and the injury could end the career of thoroughbred racing's winningest jockey.

Pincay was hurt last weekend at Santa Anita and will spend the next eight weeks in a cast, his son said Thursday.

"We expect a full recovery, and a decision on his career will be made at a future date," Laffit Pincay III said.

The 56-year-old Pincay was initially thought to have had muscle contusions to the back of his neck. He was expected to return to riding Friday and was booked on six mounts.

However, the injury is far more serious. Pincay III said his father will be fitted with a halo cast and leave a Los Angeles hospital in a day or so. He said his father was in good spirits.

The fractured bone is cervical 2, track spokesman Vince Bruun said. Cervical 2 is one of the uppermost seven vertebrae of the spine.

Pincay, who has more victories than any other jockey with 9,531, was thrown to the grass when his mount, Trampus Too, fell on the turn for home in the fifth race Saturday.

Jockey Tony Farina was suspended for seven days for altering course without sufficient clearance on Rainman's Request, which resulted in the spill that injured Pincay.

Pincay passed Bill Shoemaker's career record of 8,833 wins three years ago and has been determined to reach 10,000 victories despite his age.

"I have surprised myself that I'm still riding and competing the way I am," he said last summer, joking that he can't quit because his phobia about public speaking would preclude a retirement speech.

Pincay's 39-year career includes election to racing's Hall of Fame in 1975, a 1984 Kentucky Derby victory, three Belmont Stakes victories, five Eclipse Awards, and mounts on such great horses as Affirmed and John Henry.

The son of a famous rider in Panama and Venezuela, Pincay came to the United States at 17, speaking only Spanish and carrying a $500-a-month riding contract. He taught himself English by watching "Hollywood Squares" on TV.

He reached the winner's circle on his first U.S. mount, in 1966 at Chicago's Arlington Park.

Pincay's achievements haven't come without injury. He's broken his collarbone 11 times, broken 10 ribs, had two spinal fractures, two punctured lungs, two broken thumbs and a sprained ankle.

What's most remarkable about Pincay's longevity is his ability to control his weight.

Pincay has battled the scale since he was a teenager. Back then, he was told he was too big to be a jockey. He weighs 113 pounds and rides at 117 pounds, which includes his saddle and tack.

"He's built like a fighter, and the desire and ability he has, even today, is just unbelievable," Hall of Fame trainer Ron McAnally has said.

Pincay has said he'll keep riding as long as he enjoys himself. His only distraction outside the sport is his family, including second wife Jeanine and their 6-year-old son.

"I just love to ride horses. I love competition. I love the excitement of the game," he said in 1999. "I know it's a little dangerous and that's kind of exciting, too. You get hooked every day winning races. It makes you feel good."