Sad

[grljck13]

Apprentice jockey Radosevich dies in Beulah Park racing accident

Sixteen-year-old apprentice jockey Josh Radosevich died of apparent neck injuries on Wednesday at Beulah Park when his mount in the third race, Nyoka, broke down while on the lead in upper stretch, and a trailing hose, Hubble the Charmer, stepped on Radosevich?s neck.

Radosevich was the son of prominent Ohio horsemen Jake Radosevich and a third generation horsemen. He was taken to Grant Medical Center in Columbus, but medical personnel believed he died on the track.

“He was just never happier,” said his agent, Paul Heizer. "He was in the prime of life, and this just snatched him away. He and his father on a dark day went scouting a place to hunt deer.

“There have been some great days in my life in horse racing and some terrible days,” Beulah?s owner Charlie Ruma said. “This is the worst I?ve ever faced. It really makes me want to get out of the business.”

Radosevich began riding last month, and he already had 92 mounts, including 80 at Beulah in Grove City, Ohio, near Columbus. He ranked tenth in the Beulah standings with 14 victories from 78 mounts, and he had raced at Mountaineer Race Track and at Thistledown, riding 19 winners. His mounts amassed purse earnings of $102,792.

“This is a good, high quality family in Ohio and a real young talent that we all saw as someone who wouldn?t last at Beulah Park very long,” Ruma said. “We expected him to step up very quickly. Young Josh was one of the best young riders we?ve seen in a long time. It?s just so devastating.”

Hubble the Charmer hit Nyoka and unseated his rider, Jorge Collazo Jr., but there was no word on the condition of either of the horses or Collazo.

Beulah and Thistledown each canceled their cards after running two races.?Ed DeRosa and Amy Owens

[JasonCameron]

Oh wow…

Jockey accidents are terrible. Our sport is actually very dangerous and I think people often forget because it is glam’d up…

[sange]

Very sad. He was a very young man. I know that bugs usually start really young, but maybe 16 is a bit too young to be a jock. Perhaps they should up the age to 18? Well, just a thought. Considering how dangerous it is to be a jock, it’s amazing you don’t hear of more tragic accidents such as this. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends through this extremely tough time.

[Vantage]

^^I really dont think the age of the jockey would have made any difference in this case… The horse would have broke down either way.

This is truly a tragic incident… My heart goes out to the family, i can’t imagine what their going through

[sange]

I’m not blaming it on the age of the jock, but I do still feel that is too young of an age to be riding (professionally). It was more of a general statement, though I can see how you could’ve misunderstood easily. I guess I should have clarified a bit more. :roll: Anyway, this is a very unfortunate situation.

[Vantage]

Sorry, my bad :roll: . In general I agree, 16 is very young. Heck your not even out of highschool by then. But there are some cases (like this one) where the rider has already been riding for awhile and deserves the ability to ride. I dont know it’s hard to say