Junior Alvarado, who rode Sovereignty to victory at last weekend’s Kentucky Derby, has been fined and banned for overuse of his whip during the race.
The jockey was found to have used the whip “more than the permitted amount” the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) said on Saturday. Under HISA regulations, jockeys are allowed to strike their horse six times during a race; Alvarado used the whip on Sovereignty eight times. It was his second such offense in the last 180 days, meaning his fine was doubled to $62,000 – 20% of his winnings from the Kentucky Derby.
Alvarado was also banned for two Kentucky racing days, on 29 and 30 May. The jockey can appeal his punishment, but has yet to make a statement.
The 38-year-old Alvarado rode Sovereignty to a thrilling victory in last weekend’s race, pulling away from the heavy favorite Journalism down the final stretch. Sovereignty will not compete in this month’s Preakness Stakes, the second leg of US horse racing’s Triple Crown.
