Fundraiser aids injured jock Kyle Gilbert, family
Suffered career-ending injury Oct. 6
The Biz
October 10, 2026
A fundraiser for jockey Kyle Gilbert and his family has raised $7,434 toward a $9,000 goal after a fall at Mountaineer Racetrack left him with serious injuries and, according to a family update, ended his riding career.
Gilbert went down after the finish of the eighth race Tuesday night, Oct. 6. According to the GoFundMe account, his wife Julia reported that he suffered severe fractures in his neck and upper back, a fractured sternum, and a hematoma pressing against his spinal cord. He initially could not feel his legs.
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Gilbert was taken to East Liverpool Hospital before being transferred to UPMC Presbyterian Trauma Center in Pittsburgh. The initial fundraiser post said his fractures were unstable and doctors were evaluating possible spinal cord damage.
A subsequent update reported that Gilbert underwent surgery to straighten and stabilize his spine, with a rod and screws spanning T1 through T7. The update also said he had several broken ribs and would not be able to ride again.
The fundraiser aims to help Gilbert, Julia, and their family manage the financial burden during his recovery.
In an update Friday night, Julia described an emotional hospital visit by the couple’s children, who were happy to see their father but struggled with his condition.
“They miss him so much. But the love they have for him, outweighs it all,” she wrote. “He needed this, they needed this, WE needed this.”
The GoFundMe appeal asks for donations of any amount, along with prayers and support for the family. Julia plans to continue sharing updates as they learn more about Gilbert’s condition and recovery.
Gilbert won 46 races from 853 starts in his career.
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