HISA Reports 47 Riding Crop Violations to Date

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority on July 21 announced 47 violations to date of its riding crop rule, including instances that involved forfeiture of purses earned by horses ridden by sanctioned jockeys. Enforcement of the rule began July 2.

The violations that fell in the category of loss of purse involved jockeys Bryan McNeil (Arapahoe Park), Pedro Coronil (Delaware Park), Victor Rodriguez (Charles Town Races & Slots), David Cabrera (Prairie Meadows), and Kenneth Deonauth (Emerald Downs). Deonauth's offense did not result in loss of purse as his mount did not earn purse money, according to HISA.

Some of those riders were also given three-day suspensions and/or fines.

Five jockeys across the country received multiple riding crop violations—Jose Zunino (three), Kevin Orozco (two), Javier Matias (two), Santo Sanjur (two), and Ricardo Ramirez (two).  Zunino, Orozco, and Matias all ride at Emerald Downs.

Jockeys accrue violation points that can lead to harsher penalties at certain thresholds.

HISA's riding crop rules break violations into three categories: class 3, class 2, and class 1, depending on the number of strikes over a six-strike limit. Any class 2 or class 1 violation requires a horse to be disqualified from purse money.

Some jockeys have appealed rulings issued against them, including a pair—Diego Herrera and Ryan Curatolo—who already have stays granted by HISA pending their appeals of Class 3 violations. Their hearings before the HISA board of directors are set for Aug. 12.