Martin posting fastest qualifying time on Ochoa
Champion jockey Jacky Martin, 56, named to ride morning line favorite Ochoa in the $2.4 million All American Futurity on Labor Day, sustained neck injuries in a riding accident at Ruidoso Downs on Friday afternoon and was airlifted to an El Paso, Tex. hospital, according to sources close to the situation at the Ruidoso’s Lincoln County Medical Center.

Martin apparently is not paralyzed, but suffered three neck fractures, when his horse, Phire Power, broke down after the finish of the 300-yard sixth race and Martin was thrown to the ground.

Martin has ridden nearly 3,000 winners and the earners of more than $46.4 million during his career, which includes a record seven All American Futurity wins. Last year, he won three G1 stakes, aboard Double Down Special, Noconi and Hes Too Icy For Me, and $3.2 million.

Sunday, September 4, Martin was also slated to ride Prospect To The Top in the Grade 1, $1.3-million All American Derby, and two-time champion Noconi in the Grade 3, $40,000 All American Gold Cup.

The All American Futurity winner’s purse this year is a record $1.2 million and the Derby winner will receive $658,380.

Roy Baldillez will now ride Ochoa and Larry Payne picked up the mount on Mr Ease 123 in Monday’s Grade 1, $2.4-million All American Futurity, according to the horses’ trainer Dwayne “Sleepy” Gilbreath; Baldillez was originally named to ride Mr Ease 123.

In the All American Gold Cup on Sunday, Noconi will now be ridden by Ramon Sanchez, for trainer Paul Jones.