First Mount in 1 ½ Years for Journeyman Rider Following Spill

BALTIMORE – Journeyman rider Rosario Montanez launched his comeback Sunday at Laurel Park, more than 1 ½ years after being involved in a spill that required surgery to repair multiple back fractures and rehabilitation for brain injury.

Montanez, a 31-year-old native of San Diego, pressed the pace before finishing sixth on A.R.D. Racing Stables’ first-time starter Holy Synchronicity in Race 5, a waiver maiden claimer for 3-year-olds sprinting 5 ½ furlongs. The Holy Boss gelding is trained by Rodolfo Sanchez-Salomon.

“I’m very thankful to Rudy Sanchez-Salomon and his whole team and everybody behind him. I’m very blessed that he gave me an opportunity and he believes in me,” Montanez said. “We really had high expectations on the horse and not to take anything away from him but he just got tired. He really ran his race.

“Once I got in the gate, I felt more relaxed. I didn’t have any pressure. I just felt like I was at home. I felt like I was laying on the couch in my living room,” he added. “I was relaxed and very pleased to be back. After so many obstacles, I’m very blessed that I was able to overcome all of them. I’m very thankful to all the doctors and nurses and all the staff that helped me make it back.”

It was the first race for Montanez, a finalist for the 2011 Eclipse Award as champion apprentice, since being unseated when his mount, 4-year-old filly Hendaya, clipped heels and fell leaving the backstretch of a 5 ½-furlong turf sprint July 17, 2020 at Laurel.

Represented by agent John Santagata, Montanez underwent surgery the next day at R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore.

Laurel-based trainer Brittany Russell launched a GoFundMe campaign the day after the accident to raise money for medical and general living expenses for Montanez. An initial goal of $25,000 was surpassed in less than 24 hours, and a second goal of $30,000 was reached days later. The total stands at $40,115.

“I’m very thankful and blessed for everything that Brittany did and everybody that donated,” Montanez said. “It was a very difficult road. When you come from where I come from, from the bottom, and you’re trying to build yourself up, there’s no going back. You can only go forward.

“I have been through tough situations in life and I’ve been blessed to overcome so many things,” he added. “Mentally it is challenging to any rider who gets injured and goes through what I had to go through. You just have to stay positive. It is frustrating at times, but I always believed in myself and I’m very blessed to everyone that helped me get to the point that I am.”

It is the second time Montanez has come back from a lengthy absence due to injury. He missed 20 months after suffering a concussion, fractured rib and pelvis and head lacerations that required a plate to be surgically inserted in his face after a July 2014 spill at Saratoga.

A career winner of 609 races and more than $18.8 million in purse earnings since 2010, Montanez won 77 races in 2020 riding primarily in Maryland. A multiple stakes-winning jockey, he was aboard Happy Lantern for Hall of Fame trainer King Leatherbury’s 6,500th career victory Sept. 22, 2018 at Laurel.

Montanez was cleared to get on horses in late October and began galloping at historic Pimlico Race Course, the Fair Hill Training Center in Elkton, Md. and Laurel Park, for trainers Miguel Vera, Kelly Rubley, Phil Schoenthal, Cal Lynch and others.

“They wanted me to start easily so I took my time and I did every procedure that the doctors wanted me to go through. I didn’t rush anything. I said whatever’s meant to be will always find a way,” Montanez said. “I was getting on horses every single day for the last 3 ½ months. I got my feet underneath me and I got a foundation to make the comeback and I feel very positive. I understand that I need to go out here and prove that I can still do it and after this ride, I really believe people shouldn’t’ question whether I can do it or not. I believe it and I hope everyone believes that I can do it again.”

Montanez is named on two horses when live racing returns to Laurel Thursday, Feb. 3 – Ellie Be Dancing for trainer Saul Ramirez in Race 5 and Mario Serey Jr.-trained Family Fortune in Race 8 – as well as Keen On You for trainer Hugh McMahon in Race 8 Friday, Feb. 4.

“From where I was a year and a half ago to where I am today is a big jump,” Montanez said. “I couldn’t even believe it when I left the house today to ride my first race. I was like, ‘Wow, thank God I’m making it back.

“I believe that 2022 will be the best part of my career. I really have that in mind,” he added. “I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but if it was easy then everybody would be where I want to be. It’s going to be tough but it will be well worth it.”

Notes: Jockey Xavier Perez and trainer Jerry Robb teamed up for back-to-back winners Sunday, Al Loves Josie ($7.60) in Race 4 and Mad Genius ($5.80) in Race 5 … Trainer Anthony Farrior won twice Sunday with Treasure Trove ($10.20) in Race 6 and Monarch Beauty ($4.20) in Race 9 …There will be a carryover of $3,863 in the 20-cent Rainbow 6 when live racing returns to Laurel Thursday, Feb. 3. Post time is 12:25 p.m.