PHOENIX - Anne von Rosen’s road to recovery is looking much better more than eight months after a spill that originally left her paralyzed below the waist. The Turf Paradise jockey was seriously hurt in March when a horse she was riding fell on the backstretch following a race at Turf Paradise. She has undergone several surgeries for spinal cord injuries and months of physical therapy.

On Sunday November 17, friends and fans were stunned when von Rosen visited Turf Paradise and was able to stand with the aid of a walker. She made a surprise visit to the winner’s circle following the running of Sunday’s third race won by Mundy a horse on which von Rosen frequently finished first. She said, “It’s been slow steps getting better and to get back here. But here I am. It feels wonderful.”.

Turf Paradise General Manager Vince Francia said, “This was truly an early Thanksgiving for Anne’s extended family here at Turf Paradise. As a jockey Anne frequently beat the odds and her recovery is doing the same. The fact that she is able to stand when the early prognosis was not optimistic is a testament to her spirit and determination.”.

In April during Fan Appreciation Day a “Walk for Annie” gave fans an opportunity to walk the track with the jockeys for 400 yards, which was the length of von Rosen’s last race. That effort raised more than $2,200. Later that month a horsemen’s auction, along with a bake sale and dinner raised more than $61,000 including a donation of $10,000 from Turf Paradise Owner Jerry Simms..

Anyone wishing to contribute to a fund established to assist von Rosen this effort is asked to please contact Turf Paradise Horsemen’s Bookkeeper Bucky Huff at bhuff@turfparadise.net..

Those wishing to donate directly may send a check made out to Turf Paradise Foundation and mark the memo line Anne von Rosen..

All donations are tax deductible..

The address is:.

Turf Paradise
1501 West Bell Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85023
The Turf Paradise Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) foundation.

Turf Paradise opened its doors in 1956 and has operated at the same location (19th Avenue and Bell) ever since making it Arizona’s first sports franchise.   back...