Lezcano cleared to resume riding

Jose Lezcano, who broke the bridge of his nose in a spill Thursday at Aqueduct, was cleared by a neurologist on Friday to resume riding. He is expected to make his return next Friday when Aqueduct reopens after its Christmas break.

According to Lezcano’s longtime agent, Jason Beides, retired Hall of Fame rider Ramon Dominguez was instrumental in getting Lezcano in to see Dr. Hallie Zwibel at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine in Old Westbury on Long Island.

“We are truly grateful to Ramon,” Beides said. “Without his help, we would not have been able to get an appointment until Jan. 4.

“Ramon is a tremendous ambassador for our sport. He showed up at the hospital right after Jose’s spill.”

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Dominguez was forced to retire from riding due to a head injury he suffered in a January 2013 riding accident at Aqueduct.

Lezcano was injured in an ugly-looking spill in the third race Thursday when his mount, Consensus Thinking, broke down in upper stretch. Lezcano was thrown hard to the ground before being run over by Crea’s Bklyn Law, who struck him in the face.

He was taken to Jamaica Hospital to be examined and was released later that evening.

“It’s a miracle he wasn’t hurt worse,” Beides said. “He looks like he went 10 rounds with Mike Tyson, but Jose is tougher than leather. I am privileged to work for him.”

Consensus Thinking was euthanized due to his injuries.

Lezcano, 33, has ridden in New York since 2009. He has 2,491 career wins, and mount earnings in excess of $129 million.

A native of Panama, Lezcano has won 22 Grade 1 stakes, including multiple Grade 1’s on two-time Horse of the Year Wise Dan, Royal Delta, Ron the Greek, Wedding Toast, and Laughing. He won the Grade 1 Fourstardave at Saratoga last summer on Voodoo Song.