Jockey Gaffalione Suffers Broken Ankle at Gulfstream, Out Indefinitely

Leading jockey Tyler Gaffalione has been sidelined indefinitely after suffering a broken ankle during Wednesday’s racing card at Gulfstream Park, according to track officials.

The injury occurred during the post parade for Wednesday’s fourth race when Gaffalione’s mount, China Blue (Social Inclusion), acted up and pinned the rider’s leg against the rail. Gaffalione, who had replaced Junior Alvarado after the latter suffered a shoulder injury in Sunday’s finale, was immediately transported to a local Hallandale hospital for evaluation after complaining of ankle pain.

Daily Racing Form reported Wednesday evening that diagnostic tests confirmed a broken ankle, forcing the accomplished rider to miss his remaining mounts.

China Blue, trained by Jose D’Angelo, was uninjured in the incident and went on to finish third under replacement jockey Emisael Jaramillo.

The timing proves particularly unfortunate as Gaffalione had been scheduled to ride in all 14 races on Saturday’s Gulfstream card, including 10 stakes events. Most notably, he was set to partner with California shipper Madaket Road (Quality Road) in the GI Curlin Florida Derby.

Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith will replace Gaffalione aboard the Bob Baffert-trained Madaket Road in Saturday’s Florida Derby, according to Daily Racing Form.

Gaffalione’s recovery timeline has not yet been announced.