Rosario Fined, Suspended for Distaff Ride on Clairiere

Kentucky stewards issued jockey Joel Rosario a one-day suspension and fined him $900 for striking Clairiere  seven times, just over the six-strike riding crop limit, in riding her to finish third in the Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) at Keeneland Nov. 5.

The 4-year-old Curlin   filly, owned by Stonestreet Stables and trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, was beaten a pair of noses by first-place Malathaat  and runner-up Blue Stripe  in a tight finish.

The fine and suspension of Rosario follow Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority rules, which were introduced in July.

The ruling against Rosario was the only one related to the Breeders' Cup World Championships that was noted in a Nov. 10 report distributed to the media by HISA. 

According to HISA rules, a Class 3 violation of one to three strikes over the limit results in a fine of $250 or 10% of the jockey's portion of the purse, whichever is greater, and a minimum one-day suspension. Riders further accumulate points for infractions that can lead to additional penalties.

Race video of the Distaff appears to confirm that Rosario committed a Class 3 violation.

When the crop is used four or more times over the limit, a jockey faces higher fines and longer suspensions, and the horse owner forfeits purse earnings. 

The ruling stated that Rosario is to serve his one-day suspension Nov. 16.