Rafael Meza Breaks Arm in Spill at Santa Anita

Jockey Rafael Meza suffered a broken left arm when he and Dave Patton were involved in a spill during Friday’s sixth race at Santa Anita.

Meza, riding Sweet River Rose in the $50,000 claimer for older maiden fillies and mares, was thrown when the 4-year-old broke her left foreleg at the top of the stretch and fell. Patton, aboard Mrs. E.B., went down when his mount tripped over the fallen Sweet River Rose.

Meza was taken to Arcadia Methodist Hospital complaining of pain in his left arm and X-rays revealed the break. Patton was examined and cleared to ride the final two races, winning the ninth aboard Harrow Whip.

Sweet River Rose had to be destroyed on the track. Mrs. E.B. escaped injury.