Jockeys Travis Dunkelberger and Jose Benitez apparently escaped serious injury yesterday during a nasty spill in the featured eighth race at Laurel Park.

Dunkelberger's mount, Quiescent, was challenging for the lead in the stretch run when he broke down, spilling the jockey to the ground. Then, Benitez's horse, Hot Wells, leaped over the fallen horse. Benitez lost control a few strides later and was also thrown.

Both were taken to Greater Laurel-Beltsville Hospital for examination with Benitez suffering a badly sprained ankle.

Pub Date: 7/16/99