Matthew Straight Update

[MaryS]

Email media advisory from Arlington

Jockey Matthew Straight, twin brother of apprentice jockey Michael Straight who was injured in a Aug. 26 incident at Arlington Park, has issued the following statement regarding the condition of his brother.

“Mike had a minor procedure this morning to remove a little air build-up in his lungs, which the doctors tell me is common for people on a ventilator. That procedure was successful.

“He had an MRI yesterday and the results came back as expected – that there is a head injury and a spinal injury. The doctors say the head injury will heal on its own in time.

“He still has no feeling in his lower body but until the swelling around the spine goes down, we are keeping positive thoughts.

“He is responding to commands and shakes his head “Yes” and “No” when responding to questions and holding up fingers when asked.

[MaryS]

Another update from Arlington:

J

ockey Matthew Straight, twin brother of apprentice jockey Michael Straight who was injured in a Aug. 26 incident at Arlington Park, has issued the following statement regarding the condition of his brother.

“Mike is completely off the sedatives and the doctors are expecting to remove the ventilator today or tomorrow. Once he’s able to communicate with us, it will make everything a lot better. He’s still fighting.

“He’s doing well. He’s stable and he’s hanging in there. It’s going to be a long road to recovery, but with the continued thoughts and prayers for our family, we’ll get through it.”

Note: Matthew is named to ride Smile Stable’s More Than Able in today’s 4th race at Arlington Park, a 1 1/16-mile turf race. The Jan Ely-trained horse had been ridden by Michael in his previous four starts, including a victory on June 7. This will be Matthew’s first mount since his brother was injured.

“I came up here the other day to be by my brother’s side, so I wanted to get back in the saddle and see how I felt. I’m riding a horse that Mike has ridden the past four times and recently won on. Hopefully, I can get a winner for him.

“All the jockeys (around the country) have been asked to donate one (losing) mount fee for Mike through the Don MacBeth Memorial Fund, and hopefully we can raise a little more awareness and a little more money (toward the medical expenses). It’s very generous what the Jockeys’ Guild and the PDJF put together for today.

With regard to getting back on horses (Matt exercised horses this morning at Arlington):

“Once you get out there and get on the horses, you kind of clear you r mind of everything. Obviously, there were a few butterflies at first and I’m sure there will be today, but it’s what I want to do. It’s what me and my brother both love to do. We all know we are signing up for when we start riding.”

Note: Matthew will continue to issue updates as appropriate.