Maragh still hoping to ride in Breeders' Cup

ELMONT, N.Y. – Jockey Rajiv Maragh, who broke his arm in a spill in the Jockey Club Gold Cup, was told by doctors that he could possibly get clearance to get on horses beginning Oct. 24. If that’s the case, then he could be ready in time for the Breeders’ Cup.

It remains to be seen if any trainers wait for him. Maragh rode Artemis Agrotera in her last two races, but trainer Mike Hushion said Tuesday he has tabbed Jose Ortiz to ride in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint.

Maragh has ridden the Graham Motion-trained Main Sequence to three consecutive Grade 1 victories, establishing the horse as one of the top contenders for the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

“Graham said he’s going to wait for me,” Maragh said. “We’re keeping in contact and see how the progression goes. He knows if it’s not going to be the right thing to do, I’m not going to force it to make the race. I’m not going to be selfish.”

Other Breeders’ Cup-bound horses Maragh has either ridden or was scheduled to ride include Imperia (Juvenile Turf) and Wonder Gal (Juvenile Fillies Turf).

“I really just want to be okay when I come back, whatever I miss or don’t miss,” Maragh said.