Buick recovering in hospital after Permian is fatally injured in Secretariat

William Buick is recovering in hospital after being unseated after the line from Permian in the Secretariat Stakes at Arlington, Chicago on Saturday, with the Mark Johnston-trained colt sadly suffering a fatal injury.

Buick was taken to Northwest Community Hospital, and it was reported by the Daily Racing Form he had suffered a fractured T12 vertebrae, with the jockey complaining of lower back pain.

Nick Luck, who was present on track, had tweeted: "William Buick has full movement in limbs and is conscious; loaded into ambulance on backboard and with neckbrace in some pain."

It is hoped, however, that Buick will soon be able to return to Britain.

His father, Walter snr, himself a former jockey, said at Sunday lunchtime: "I spoke to William at what must have been about 4am his time and it was exactly as had been reported in Daily Racing Form. He'd had some sleep and was in great spirits, with no surgery required.

"He was waiting on a further scan but the doctor had told him that if they were happy with it he would be on a plane home."

Permian crossed the line last of six in the Grade 1 at Arlington but immediately after the race it was apparent he had broken his left foreleg, and he stumbled and unseated Buick.

Johnston's son Charlie was at the track and said: "He suffered a catastrophic fracture of his left fore. I was with him on the track for 30 seconds. He was in the process of running a very disappointing race and I believe it was when he was winding down that it happened."

Winner of the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, and the Dante at York, Permian had developed into a tough and classy performer, and was victorious on six of his 14 career starts.

Oscar Performance claims victory

Favourite Oscar Performance made it back-to-back Grade 1s after winning the Belmont Derby on his previous start.

The son of Kitten's Joy enjoyed a perfect trip round, taking up the running in the final furlong and going clear by two and a quarter lengths.

Jockey Jose Ortiz said: "He was sitting very comfortably in second and when I asked him to go he ran very well. I love that Brian [trainer, Lynch] gave me the opportunity on this horse. I'm very happy I won the race for them."

Taj Mahal stayed on in the straight for Ryan Moore to take second for Aidan O'Brien, with Jean-Claude Rouget's Afandem in third.

Race result