Board finds no wrongdoing in death of teen jockey Juan Saez

INDIANAPOLIS — Investigators have found no wrongdoing by jockeys in the death of a 17- year-old apprentice jockey at an Indiana track.

Indiana Horse Racing Commission senior steward Stan Bowker told The Indianapolis Star on Friday the three-member board of stewards found the death of Juan Saez of Panama was “an unfortunate accident.”

The board handed over its findings to the Indiana Horse Racing Commission after reviewing videotapes of the race at the Indiana Grand Racing & Casino track in Shelbyville.

Saez was thrown from Montezuma Express while rounding a turn during the eighth race Tuesday. Bowker says Saez’s horse inadvertently clipped the heels of the horse in front of him.

The Jockeys’ Guild announced it will establish a fund for Saez’s family to help pay his funeral expenses. The funeral will be held in Panama. The guild said details about where contributions can be made will be announced later.

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