Stay Denied, Valdivia Will Continue Fighting Suspension

Jockey Jose Valdivia Jr. will continue fighting a 10-day suspension he and his agent Nick Hines see as excessive.

Valdivia requested a stay of his suspension from California Horse Racing Board chairman Gregory Ferraro, which was denied, according to CHRB spokesman Mike Marten.

The rider will now continue with an appeal that goes to an administrative hearing officer within 30 to 60 days. The hearing officer then has 30 days to submit a recommended decision following the hearing, and the CHRB board will consider the hearing officer's recommendation in closed session.

Del Mar stewards on a 2-1 vote suspended Valdivia for an incident that happened in a six-furlong maiden claiming race Aug. 22.Sassy Chasey , ridden by apprentice Diego Herrera, clipped the heels of Katie's Paradise , who was ridden by Valdivia. Stewards ruled Valdivia "crossing over without sufficient clearance entering the far turn and causing interference." Herrera also was deemed at fault for "allowing his mount to remain in tight quarters entering the far turn and causing interference" and was suspended for five days. Stewards Grant Baker and David Nuesch were in favor of Valdivia's suspension, while Luis Jauregui opposed, according to Marten.

Hines told BloodHorse he is frustrated Valdivia got twice the days as Herrera even though Herrera was in his blind spot during the race. Valdivia's suspension is to run Sept. 2-6, 10-12, and Sept. 17-18, though his appeal could affect those dates.