Jockey Luis Saez Suspended 15 Days for Derby Infraction

The Kentucky stewards have suspended jockey Luis Saez 15 days for failure to control his mount and make the proper effort to maintain a straight course in his ride aboard Maximum Security in the May 4 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) at Churchill Downs.

Gary and Mary West's Maximum Security was disqualified from victory and placed 17th by the stewards after it was determined he had veered out and caused direct interference with War of Will and chain-reaction interference with Long Range Toddy and Bodexpress.

The stewards issued the decision on Saez to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission May 12 and the ruling was posted to the KHRC website May 13. The ruling, which followed a May 10 film review, calls for Saez to be suspended from May 23-27, May 30-June 2, June 6-9, and June 13-14. 

The ruling said the suspension is for "failure to control his mount and make the proper effort to maintain a straight course thereby causing interference with several rivals that resulted in the disqualification of his mount."

Saez, who is currently riding at Belmont Park, was represented at the May 10 film review by Louisville, Ky., attorney Ann Oldfather. Oldfather, who was not allowed to address the stewards at the May 10 session, had presented the stewards with a video that made the argument other riders and horses caused or contributed to the foul. The stewards offered no assurances they would view the video.

A spokesperson from Oldfather's office said the attorney plans to file an appeal to the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on behalf of Saez because he, "shouldn't have been suspended at all, much less 15 days."

On May 6 the KHRC denied an appeal request from the Wests. KHRC general counsel John Forgy said Kentucky regulations do not allow appeals of stewards' decisions. The appeal denial letter noted that as a license condition for racing in Kentucky, every licensee agrees to abide by the commission's rules and regulations. It cited the rule that "stewards findings of fact and determination shall be final and not be subject to appeal."

If the appeal for Saez moves forward, it typically is reviewed by a hearing officer who would make a recommendation to the full commission after a hearing. The spokesperson said they have 10 days to file an appeal request and would look forward to presenting proof at the hearing that Saez did nothing wrong, calling the stewards' decision, "completely unsupported by the facts."