Fragoso withdraws appeal on ban

Jockey Pablo Fragoso withdrew his appeal of a 30-day suspension handed him by the Aqueduct stewards last spring and on Saturday began serving the days. He will be eligible to ride again on Nov. 6.

Fragoso and Jose Espinoza were each suspended 30 days for "careless and aggressive riding" in the sixth race at Aqueduct on March 5. Fragoso cut over on two horses entering the first turn of that race. Espinoza was aboard one of those horses and he sent his horse right after Fragoso's and made it tight on him down the backside. Entering the far turn, Espinoza still had Fragoso in tight, so Fragoso used his right hand to push Espinoza away. Espinoza came right back on Fragoso, tightening things up again.

Fragoso was injured in a spill here on Sept. 22, but, according to the stewards, had been given medical clearance to ride.

Espinoza's appeal is scheduled to be heard on Oct. 17.