Two to hospital after Big A spill

JAMAICA, N.Y. - A frightening-looking spill in Friday's seventh race at Aqueduct sent jockeys Heberto Castillo Jr. and Roberto Villafan to the hospital.

Both riders were conscious when they were removed from the track on stretchers. Castillo was taken to nearby Jamaica Hospital with a head wound and was complaining of pain in his shoulder and ear. Villafan was sent to North Shore University Hospital for X-rays of his right hand and the right side of his face. As of 5:30 p.m., Castillo was in stable condition, being treated for cuts and bruises, and was scheduled for a CAT scan. There was no update on Villafan's condition.

The accident took place early in the stretch when Castillo's mount, Madame Viceroy B B, in contention for the lead, broke her left foreleg. Castillo was flung to the ground and was struck by at least two trailing horses. Villafan, aboard Born to Bop, was unseated when he was unable to avoid Castillo, who lay motionless on the track.

Madame Viceroy B B was euthanized.