Laurel notebook: Rider Zapico breaks 5 ribs, ankle in spill

Apprentice rider Silvia Zapico broke five ribs and her right ankle in a Friday spill at Laurel Park, according to her agent, Kevin Witte.

The 27-year-old was injured when her mount, Smart N Smokin, ran into the rail, dumped the rider and then kicked her in the ribs.

Zapico rode as an amateur in Europe before turning professional in August.

She won four races at Finger Lakes, then relocated to Maryland during the Timonium State Fair meet.

She is 3-for-55 at the current Laurel Park fall stand.

Witte indicated there is no timetable for her return.

Russell moves ahead

With a riding triple Saturday, Sheldon Russell moved ahead of Abel Castellano in the jockey standings after six weeks of the Laurel fall meet.

Russell scored aboard Hard Way Six ($14.40-first), Dottie's a Hottie ($5.80-sixth) and Malibu Yankee ($6.20-10th). The 25-year-old has 25 victories, two more than Castellano, who was shut out Saturday.

Jamie Ness leads the trainer standings with 18 victories, seven ahead of Hugh McMahon.