Apprentice Espinoza granted stay of suspension

DEL MAR, Calif. – Apprentice jockey Assael Espinoza is named to ride five of Sunday’s nine races at Del Mar after receiving a stay of a 10-day suspension for careless riding.

Espinoza, 18, was granted the stay by a San Diego County superior court judge on Thursday. The suspension was scheduled to begin on Sunday and continue 10 racing days, through Aug. 25.

Espinoza was cited for causing interference leading to a two-horse spill on Aug. 16 that caused the death of one horse. Jockey Corey Nakatani suffered an injury in the accident that will prevent him from riding until the autumn.

With the stay, Espinoza can ride until a hearing is conducted.