LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- We're hearing for the first time about how Hall of Fame jockey Calvin Borel is recovering after his nasty accident at Keeneland Wednesday, Oct. 23. WHAS11's Claudia Coffey sat down for this exclusive interview with his wife Lisa. Who tells us how lucky Borel really is after this dangerous fall.
'He was very upset. He was crying. He kept saying, 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry',' Lisa Borel said.
Those were the first emotional words Calvin Borel said to his wife Lisa after his terrifying fall at Keeneland on Oct. 23.
'I'm gonna miss Churchill. I said honey it's OK, things happen and those horses are gonna be there for you to ride when you come back,' Lisa Borel, Calvin's wife, said.
Borel aboard Sonic Dancer was on the turf when the horse fell, taking Borel down with him. He was motionless on the field and was unconscious until he was taken off the track
'He recognized his nephew's voice and he came to when his nephew said 'Boo Boo, Uncle Boo,' cause that's his Uncle; 'Uncle Boo are you OK? Come back, come back.' He finally came to and that was the first thing he remembers since the spill,' Lisa Borel said.
He was taken to UK Trauma Center, a concussion ruled out but he broke his fibula on his left leg and has a hairline fracture on the vertebrae near his neck and has to wear a neck brace.
Calvin is expected to be off for about 3 to 4 weeks. He'd like to catch the tail end of Churchill Downs but it all depends on his prognosis.
Lisa plans to have Calvin take things slow, recovery being the most important thing. Now that' he's home recovering, he still has a tough time.
'He started crying and I said Calvin please don't cry. There's no crying in horseback riding. He's just emotional and very upset about it,' Lisa Borel said.
But she knows he is very, very lucky and is grateful for everyone's support.
