Pedroza starts three-day suspension

Jockey Martin Pedroza, who won the riding title at the Hollywood Park fall meeting, has withdrawn an appeal of a three-day suspension for a riding infraction issued last month by Hollywod Park stewards.

Friday, Santa Anita stewards Scott Chaney, George Slender and Tom Ward reissued the suspension, covering racing for Sunday, Monday, and Thursday.

Pedroza was cited for causing interference on Olympic Experience in the fourth race at Hollywood on Dec. 15. Olympic Experience finished second after leading in the stretch, but drifted out late, causing third-place finisher Jackieosofabulous to be checked.

The California Horse Racing Board denied Pedroza's appeal in December, forcing the jockey to go to Los Angeles Superior Court to get a stay to continue riding.

Pedroza, 41, finished in a tie for seventh at the 2004-05 Santa Anita meeting with 35 wins. Through the first three days of the new meet, Pedroza was winless with 10 mounts.