16 October 2023 , 11:59
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Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Sonny Leon has led the tributes to a female jockey who died after a horrific fall on Saturday.
Maria Alejandra Bruzual, who was 43, was riding the favourite Sun Cab in race six over 6f at La Rinconada, in Valencia. The horse broke with the field but soon began to drift to its right across the front of the other runners and out towards the middle of the track.
As the runners entered the turn, Sun Cab had crossed over to the opposite rail with Bruzual struggling to control the horse. Sun Cab followed the rail around but as he exited the bend, shot across the course, colliding with the rail, dumping Bruzuel on the ground.
She was treated on the track and taken to hospital where she died of her injuries. Sunday’s meeting at La Rinconada was suspended for a day of mourning.
The country’s racing authority said in a statement: “With great regret, the National Institute of Racecourses fulfils the painful duty of reporting the death of the jockey María Alejandra Bruzual in an accident that occurred today, Saturday, October 14, 2023 at the National Racecourse of Valencia.
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“It is a very hard moment for Venezuelan sport, as it is a sister, a friend, a daughter, a valuable woman of Venezuelan horse racing. Our deepest words of condolences to family and friends in the face of such irreparable loss.”
Bruzual quit her job as a business administrator to pursue her dreams and had been riding for 17 years. US-based Venezuelan jockey Leon, who won the Kentucky Derby in 2022 on Rich Strike, posted on X, “How sad for all of us equestrians who know you Maria. Rest in peace friend, may God have you in Glory."
Among other riders, Emisael Jaramillo wrote: “I deeply regret the death of my colleague María Alejandra Bruzual, a tireless worker to fulfill her dreams. May God give eternal rest and comfort to her family.”
Iván Pimentel Jr said: “The news of the death of our Venezuelan jocketta María Alejandra Bruzual is very sad. I ask God for mercy for her soul and a lot of strength for her family. I know what it feels like to lose a loved one in the clue. RIP".