Denny Velazquez Suspended for Alleged Buzzer Possession
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Photo: Coady Photography
Jockey Denny Velazquez aboard Weekend Ride after winning the Victor S. Myers Stakes at Canterbury Park
Canterbury Park jockey Denny Velazquez was summarily suspended by the Minnesota Racing Commission pending an appearance before stewards at Canterbury. According to a ruling issued July 22, Velazquez was cited for violations related to the possession of an electrical device and the possession of firearms.
Until his appearance, he is denied access to all grounds under the jurisdiction of the MRC.
An electrical device, known as a "buzzer" in racetrack lingo, is used to urge a horse into running faster by delivering an electronic shock. They are prohibited, and some jockeys have run afoul for their possession or use over the years.
Jockey Roman Chapa served a five-year suspension for using a buzzer at Sam Houston Race Park in 2015, one of numerous violations related to their use over his career. He resumed riding this year and now rides at Arapahoe Park in Colorado.
Velazquez, a native of Jones, Okla., has been riding since 2010 and is ranked third in the rider standings at Canterbury behind Ry Eikleberry and Francisco Arrieta. He was also the third-leading rider this year at Turf Paradise behind Alex Cruz and Scott Stevens.
He last rode June 16 at Canterbury, winning on one of five mounts.
According to Steve May, the executive director of the MRC, a hearing date for Velazquez is expected to soon be finalized after a tentative date of July 30 needed reevaluation. Velazquez can request a stay of his suspension prior to his hearing, and a decision whether to grant that request would be made by May, the executive director said.
He declined to state the circumstances under which the prohibited possessions occurred, but the MRC ruling indicated the date of the violation was July 20.
Law enforcement will be forwarded any possible violations of the Minnesota state statute, May said.
"We're concerned with the Minnesota Racing Commission rule violations, and the criminal parts of it, if those are found to be true, will be handled by the local sheriff's office here," he said.