Rick Conner was injured in a training accident at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Tuesday, July 3, 2007.  Conner was jogging a 2-year-old, when the horse spooked and became hard to control. 

First veering to the outside of the track, the horse jumped the concrete barrier around the track and landed straddling it.  The jog cart was still on the track.  After a struggle, Conner was able to get the horse off of the barrier and back onto the track.  However, there was a problem with the bridle, so he was unable to maintain control of the horse.

The horse began bearing to the inside, finally flipping over the hub rail above the tunnel for vehicle traffic.  Both Conner and the horse plunged to the bottom.  The distance of the fall is estimated to be at least 20 feet.

Immediately following the accident, Conner was unconscious.  He was rushed by ambulance to Wishard Memorial Hospital in Indianapolis.  His blood pressure was extremely low, limiting the amount of pain medication he could be administered.

A series of x-rays and other tests revealed Conner's pelvis was broken in four places and his right elbow was shattered.  He also suffered two broken vertebrae in his back (1 upper & 1 lower) and torn ligaments in his right foot.  In addition, he sustained a severe shoulder injury and damage to disks in his neck. 

The doctors were very concerned about his internal bleeding, as it was difficult to locate the source.  The origin of the bleeding needed to be identified before any surgery on the broken pelvis can be performed.  Further tests showed the bleeding was from his kidneys, which had endured a great amount of trauma in the fall.

Once Conner's blood pressure increased, he was able to be given regular doses of pain medication.  The doctors elected to way for him to regain some strength before performing any surgery.  Metal rods were used to immobilize his legs and elbow until surgery could be performed.

A friend of Conner noted his back was completely black with bruises from the fall.  Those visiting Conner report he is in better spirits, but is expected to be out of action for 6-8 months.

Conner has trained the winners of $992,636.  His horses have included TG's Director p,3,1:52.4 ($247,047), Stunning Sahbra p,4,1:54.4 ($96,829), and GUR Stunning p,5,1:53.4 ($96,818).

7/21 Update: Rick Conner underwent a 10-hour surgery on Monday, July 9 to repair his broken pelvis.  The next day, doctors were able to get him to sit up in his bed.  He had an additional surgery on his shattered elbow on Wednesday, July 11.  Recently, he was moved to a rehabilitation center in Indianapolis.  It is the same facility where many famous people have resided for treatment, including drivers injured in the Indy 500.  Friends who have visited Conner say he is expected to remain at the center for 6-8 weeks.  Since his days could get long and lonely, it might be nice to hear from his friends in the industry.

8/5 Update: Rick Conner, who was involved in a training accident at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on July 3, was moved from the rehabilitation center to his home on Friday, August 3.  Progressing well, this move was about 3 weeks ahead of schedule.  Conner will still be having intensive physical therapy, but being home is certainly a plus for him.  Although returning to familiar surroundings is helpful, it will be nice if he continues to hear from his friends in the industry.

Cards may be sent to his home address:
Rick Conner
829 W. 500 N.
Shelbyville, IN  46176