Longtime Canterbury Park Jockey Paralyzed In Ariz.
SHAKOPEE, Minn. (WCCO) -- A longtime jockey at Canterbury Park was paralyzed in a freak accident at a Phoenix horse racing track.
Anne Von Rosen, who has ridden at the Shakopee track's summer meet since 2001, suffered a severed spinal cord Wednesday when a horse she was riding at Turf Paradise collapsed, trapping her underneath.
"What I'm hearing is that it's almost certain Anne will never walk again," Canterbury's Director of Media Relations Jeff Maday said. "She is expected to undergo a second surgery tomorrow that will allow her to sit up in a wheelchair."
While the prognosis is not good, Phoenix doctors were concerned von Rosen may not survive when she arrived at John C. Lincoln Hospital on Wednesday.
The sobering news stunned von Rosen's Minnesota friends and colleagues.
"It gives you such a sick feeling to hear that," said Doug Oliver, a regular trainer and former training champion at Canterbury. "It's really terrible news."
Von Rosen was having a successful meet. She was fourth in the standings with 54 wins behind leader Jorge Carreno.
"We talk about jockeys putting their lives on the line, but it's true," Maday said. "Every time they step onto the track, it's dangerous."