FAIRPLEX : Pedroza Seriously Injured

Martin Pedroza, the third-leading rider in Fairplex Park thoroughbred racing history, was reported in serious but stable condition Sunday night as the result of an injury he suffered when his mount, El Toreo, fell on the first turn of the 10th race.

Pedroza was taken to Pomona Valley Community Hospital, where he was being treated for a lacerated liver.

El Toreo, the horse with whom Laffit Pincay recently scored his 8,000th victory, completed the course and suffered no apparent injury.

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Senate Appointee held off a stretch-long challenge from Southern Truce to win the $50,000-guaranteed E.B. Johnston Stakes before 10,390 at Fairplex Park on Sunday. It was the seventh consecutive victory for Senate Appointee, a 4-year-old daughter of Storm Cat.

Senate Appointee, timed in 1:43 for the 1 1/16 miles, was ridden by David Flores and paid $4.20, $2.40 and $2.20 as the 11-10 favorite in the field of six older fillies and mares. Southern Truce paid $2.40 and $2.40 and Thirst For Peace returned $3.

Senate Appointee, trained by Bobby Frankel, earned $27,500 and her lifetime earnings now stand at $480,850.

It was the seventh consecutive loss for Southern Truce, who had risen from the $16,000 claiming ranks to upset Eclipse champion Paseana in the Grade I Santa Margarita Handicap last February.

Total handle was $4,543,923, of which $1,667,245 was on-track.