HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - Jockey Gary Boulanger underwent two operations and was in critical but improving condition Monday after being thrown from his horse at Gulfstream Park.

The 37-year-old Canadian, one of South Florida's best riders the past several years, showed signs of progress at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood after doctors Sunday removed his spleen and a blood clot on his brain, said his agent, Cory Moran.

"The doctors are telling us that his vital signs are good, and that he is responsive to their commands," Moran said. "As soon as the swelling on his brain subsides, the doctors will be able to tell us more."

Boulanger went down Sunday when In Hand lost his footing on the turf in the final turn of the $100,000 Mac Diarmida Handicap. In Hand was euthanized. Eddie Castro, who fell trying to guide his mount from the accident, wasn't hurt.

Boulanger tied for seventh in the jockey standings at Gulfstream in 2004. His victories include the 2001 Queen's Plate aboard Dancethruthedawn and the 2003 Hallandale Handicap aboard eventual Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Cajun Beat. He rode Chilito to an 11th-place finish in the 1998 Kentucky Derby. He won three straight jockey titles at Longacres in Washington before moving to California, then Florida.

Boulanger was thrown from Casual Conflict during a race at Gulfstream in 2003. The 9-year-old gelding was euthanized, but Boulanger wasn't seriously injured.