Jose Luis Flores suffered a tragic spill at Parx in the 9th race yesterday. Dueling for the lead aboard Love Rules for trainer Harold Wyner Jose was thrown from his mount when Love Rules broke down reportedly from a broken shoulder.
It happened so fast you can barely see it on the replay and Jose is actually behind the rail as he is falling to the racetrack. Jose suffered life threatening injuries, did not regain consciousness and was taken to a Pennsylvania hospital and put on life support. His prognosis was always grim and many posts on social media including some from riders such as Eric Cancel and Jose Ortiz indicate he passed.
There are some conflicting reports on that as it is also being said he is being kept on life support pending the arrival of family from Florida. This is devastating news and the outpouring of love, prayers, and support for Jose show what a well liked and kind gentleman he was in and out of the saddle.
Jose was a professional journeyman who rode most of his career in Pennsylvania. He is the leading money winning at Parx, and has over 4500 wins to his credit. While I never had the pleasure of meeting Jose Luis Flores I am told he was truly a class act. Let’s keep Jose and his family in our thoughts and prayers. Let’s also not forget how difficult and dangerous it is to control a 1000 pound thoroughbred racing in a pack and through tight spaces for anyone let alone someone who weighs 115 pounds.
May God be with Jose Luis Flores and his family.
