LOUISVILLE, KY – Junior Alvarado, the jockey who rode Sovereignty to victory in this month’s Kentucky Derby, has been fined $62,000 and suspended for two Kentucky racing days for overuse of his riding crop during the race.
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) determined that Alvarado used his whip eight times during the race at Churchill Downs, exceeding the permitted six strikes. HISA noted this was Alvarado’s second rule violation within 180 days.
The fine represents 20% of Alvarado’s $310,000 share of the Derby winnings. His two-day suspension is scheduled for May 29 and 30. Alvarado has the option to appeal the decision within 10 days.
Following his first Kentucky Derby victory, the 38-year-old Alvarado stated that he only realized he had exceeded the whip limit upon rewatching the race, citing the intensity of the moment and his proximity to the favorite, Journalism, in the final stretch.
Sovereignty, trained by Bill Mott, will not compete in the upcoming Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, on May 17 in Baltimore. The final leg, the Belmont Stakes, will occur on June 7.
Information CNN.
