Etc. . . .

Jockey Rafael Bejarano was taken to Caritas Medical Center shortly after Wednesday's third race at Churchill Downs, when his mount, Eaglez Crown, unseated him after appearing to clip heels down the backstretch. Bejarano told medical personnel that he had pain in his lower back, but he was ambulatory, and Eaglez Crown did not appear to be seriously hurt. . . . The Maryland Racing Commission has approved 220 days of live racing at Laurel Park and Pimlico for 2004. Laurel will hold meets in winter (Jan. 1 to March 28), summer (July 22 to Aug. 27), and fall (Oct. 6 to Dec. 31). Pimlico will race from March 31 to June 6 and Sept. 8 to Oct. 3.