Wrestler turned jockey Nik Juarez who was ‘almost killed’ during a race has been banned by officials after fighting with his rival in the incident. Juarez was racing at Monmouth Park racecourse in the US when the flashpoint occurred with fellow jockey Paco Lopez.
The pair’s feud began when Lopez’s horse appeared to cut off Juarez's ride, as the field hit the final corner and were gearing up for the run home. The move which has since been punished as ‘dangerous’ riding saw Juarez jolt on his horse, in a near disaster moment.
Clearly unhappy with his fellow rider’s actions, Jurarez looked to take things into his own hands post-race and confronted Lopez.
It is reported a scuffle broke out leading to a ban of eight days for the former wrestler, as well as a £422 fine for 'initiating a physical confrontation with another jockey'. Lopez, meanwhile, was given a lesser punishment, receiving a five-day ban for his actions on the track.
Racing fans have been left baffled by the pair’s punishments though, with many believing Lopez should have been the man to receive tougher sanctions due to his near fatal actions. One punter - @raypaulick - hit out the decision on Twitter, writing: “Let me get this straight. Paco Lopez gets a five-day suspension for almost dropping Nik Juarez in a move that we've seen Lopez make before that landed up to a 30-day ban.
“Juarez is justifiably upset and goes after Lopez physically after dismounting. Juarez gets eight-day ban.” The criticism for Lopez continued, as @KarnAnne commented: “You would think at some point that all the jockeys would have enough of Paco and settle it in the jockeys room!!!
“Also WHY do trainers & owners keep using Paco on their horses? Who wants a jockey that has zero concern for the horse's safety that he is riding!!!”
Another punter added: "Paco Lopez got five days for almost killing Nik Juarez."
This is not the first time slammed rider Lopez has been confronted for his actions on the track by a fellow jockey post-race.
Back in March 2021, the rider was punched three times by jockey Irad Ortiz Jr after the duo clashed following another controversial move from Lopez on the track. Ortiz Jr was handed a £717 fine, whilst both were said to have been ‘placed on probation’ for their actions.
