John Velazquez breaks shoulder

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Lexington, KY (Sports Network) - Eclipse Award-winning jockey John Velazquez has been diagnosed with a broken shoulder blade that apparently will keep him out of the Kentucky Derby. Velazquez suffered the fracture on Thursday at Keeneland race course.

Velazquez was aboard Up an Octave in the Forerunner Stakes at the Kentucky racetrack when the three-year-old colt broke down shortly after winning the race. Up an Octave broke his left front leg, causing Velazquez to be thrown from the mount. The colt had to be euthanized.

Velazquez was transported to the University of Kentucky Medical Center, where he remains in order for doctors to determine if surgery is required.

Velazquez has been voted the champion jockey the last two years and is currently third in earnings this year. He has been the primary jockey for three Kentucky Derby contenders -- Bluegrass Cat, Keyed Entry and Sunriver.

Bluegrass Cat was the defeated favorite in the Blue Grass Stakes last week.