Top rider Houghton's return delayed

MUSKEGON, Mich. - Terry Houghton, the second-leading rider in the nation by wins, remained hospitalized Wednesday after a spill in the seventh race at Great Lakes Downs on Sunday evening. The 31-year-old jockey was thrown forward a considerable distance when his mount clipped heels, then was struck in the head by a trailing horse. Tests revealed no broken bones, but he has a severe concussion, according to his father, Ronnie Houghton.

"He's in the intensive care unit tonight [Tuesday], but they are planning a move to a private room tomorrow," Houghton said. "We're hopeful that he will come home on Thursday or Friday. It may be 10 days before he's riding again."

Through Tuesday, Houghton had won 256 races this year, trailing national leader Russell Baze by four wins.

* A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday in Derby's at Great Lakes Downs for trainer John Foggiano, who died last Saturday at a Muskegon hospital. Foggiano, 74, a fixture on the Detroit and Tampa Bay Downs scene, had a stable at Great Lakes Downs with his wife, Donna.

* Jockey Wade Rini is moving his tack to Great Lake Downs beginning Friday, according to his agent, Larry Beadnell.