CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. -- Jockey James Thornton, 54, a Baltimore native, was critically injured last night after being unseated from his mount in the first race at the Charles Town Races.
Thornton, who occasionally rides at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, fell from his mount, Shifty Four, while in tight quarters soon after the start of the 4 1/2 -furlong race. Sales Book, ridden by Glenn Reeder, was unable to avoid the fallen rider and also fell.
Thornton and Reeder were transported via track ambulance to nearby Jefferson Memorial Hospital. Thornton was immediately transferred by helicopter to Fairfax (Va.) Hospital with an undetermined head injury. He was listed in critical condition and was to have undergone surgery late last night.