Beschizza sidelined with fractured collarbone

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Jockey Adam Beschizza will be sidelined at least three weeks after suffering a collarbone fracture when he fell to the turf course as his mount, Triggerman, broke down approaching the finish of the fifth race Wednesday.

The British-born Beschizza, 26, had been on pace to surpass his 2018 mount earnings of nearly $5 million when the spill occurred. As the leading jockey at the 2018-19 Fair Grounds meet, he is looking to regain full health well before the New Orleans track resumes racing Nov. 28.

Triggerman, a 3-year-old colt trained by Joe Sharp, was euthanized after suffering a catastrophic injury to his left front leg. His was the third equine fatality during the first four days of the 17-day fall meet.

Facility upgrade at Ky. Downs

The first phase of a substantial expansion and renovation project at Kentucky Downs in south-central Kentucky is scheduled to get under way in the coming weeks, with new owners Ron Winchell and Marc Falcone sinking about $25 million into the property. Two future phases of expansion also are planned.

Meanwhile, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has recommended seven days (Sept. 2-13) for the track’s 2020 race meet, an increase of two days from recent years. Dates will be officially assigned Nov. 1.