Fragoso Breaks Collarbone in Aqueduct Fall

Jockey Pablo Fragoso sustained a broken collarbone Wednesday after being dumped over the rail by Lone Tree at the start of Aqueduct's third race, and is expected to miss at least six weeks.

A 2-year-old first-time starter trained by Mike Hushion, Lone Tree veered sharply to the left after breaking from the rail post in the 4 1/2-furlong maiden race for New York-bred fillies. The sudden movement caused Fragoso to lose his balance and he was thrown off the filly and over the rail where he landed on his hands and shoulders.

Fragoso, champion of the recently concluded inner dirt track meeting at the Big A while riding with the apprentice bug, complained of pain in his neck and left shoulder. Lone Tree never lost her footing and did not appear to suffer serious injury.

Fragoso is in his second week of riding since losing his apprentice allowance. He rode three winners at Aqueduct last week, his first as a journeyman.

Also at Aqueduct on Wednesday, the seldom-used distance of 7 1/2 furlongs was unveiled for what is believed to be the first time in the history of major New York racing. The eighth race, a non-winners of three 'other than' for 4-year olds and upward, was carded at 7 1/2 furlongs as an experiment by racing secretary, Michael Lakow. The winner was Conservation, trained by Barclay Tagg with Javier Castellano up.

Records for all tracks currently in use at Aqueduct, Belmont Park, and Saratoga show no previous track records for 7-1/2 furlongs. Conservation's time was 1:29.56.

(Chart, Equibase)