Bejarano Out for Two Weeks with Hand Injury

Tora Yamaguchi, agent for Rafael Bejarano, reported Nov. 12 that the perennial Del Mar riding champion has a strained ligament in the outer portion of his right hand that is of relatively minor concern.

 

But the short healing process, combined with six days of suspensions that Yamaguchi said will not be appealed, means the summer meeting champion for the past five years, and defending Bing Crosby meet champion, will not ride at Del Mar until Nov. 26, the 10th day of the 15-day meeting.

 

Yamaguchi and Bejarano had planned for Nov. 11 to be a busy one with seven mounts on the nine-race opening-day program. Instead, as the result of an injury incurred during a morning workout Nov. 8 at Santa Anita Park, it was spent seeing a hand specialist in the Los Angeles area.

 

"The doctor said it was not a big deal," Yamaguchi said. "He has a small brace, and with three or four days wearing it, and not using the hand, it should be fine."

 

Bejarano is, however, facing two three-day suspensions for infractions during the Santa Anita meeting. The first will be served Nov. 13, 17, and 18. The second, which was announced Friday, is set for Nov. 20, 24, and 25.

 

The decision was to heal the hand, serve the suspensions, and start anew for the final two weeks of the meeting, which encompass six graded stakes with purses totaling $1.3 million.