LEXINGTON (Kentucky), April 22: Jockey John Velazquez was released from hospital on Friday, a day after a fall that could keep him out of the Kentucky Derby and perhaps the entire Triple Crown.

According to a statement from the hospital, Velazquez - the Eclipse Award winner in 2004 and 2005 - was treated for injuries to his chest and right shoulder after his mount Up an Octave broke down and fell about 100 yards after winning the 110,600-dollar Forerunner Stakes at Keeneland on Thursday.

Doctor Bernard Boulanger said Velazquez's prognosis for a full recovery was good, but it is unclear when he would be able to return.

“How long he will be sidelined is fully dependent on how his body heals,” Boulanger said.

Earlier Friday, Velazquez's agent, Hall of Fame former jockey Angel Cordero jnr, told www.drf.com that Velazquez suffered a fractured scapula. “He's pretty sore everywhere, but he's very lucky,” Cordero told the site.—AFP

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