Maragh will miss Breeders' Cup

ELMONT, N.Y. - Rajiv Maragh, who suffered a broken arm in a spill during the running of the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont on Sept. 27, confirmed Monday that he would not make it back in time to ride the Breeders’ Cup.

Maragh had been told by doctors that there was a possibility he could make it back to ride as early as next weekend, but Maragh said Monday that would be too soon.

Maragh was hoping to make it back to ride Main Sequence in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. Maragh has ridden that horse to three Grade 1 wins this year. John Velazquez has picked up the mount on that horse, according to trainer Graham Motion.

Maragh said he would not be in top shape for the Breeders’ Cup.

“I know by the way I feel I’m not going to be ready to be at my best,” Maragh said Monday. “I didn’t want to jeopardize my health or the horse’s chances. I’m going to do what’s right and get back in top shape before I start back.”

Maragh has an appointment with his doctors on Friday to get a progress report. He continues to perform physical therapy.

Maragh plans on moving his tack to south Florida on Dec. 1. Whether he rides in New York before then will be determined by what the doctors say and how he feels.

◗ Jockey Angel Arroyo, who won three races on Saturday including the $300,000 Empire Classic Handicap aboard Effinex, will miss the final week of the Belmont meet because of a five-day careless riding suspension handed to him by the stewards for his ride in Friday’s eighth race, which resulted in the disqualification of his horse from second place to fifth.