Photo: Susie Raisher / NYRA
Jockey John Velázquez will miss racing on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday next week at Saratoga after being suspended for three days by the New York State Gaming Commission.
Velázquez waived his right to appeal and the ruling became final on Tuesday, according to a post on the commission’s website.
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The Hall of Fame jockey was penalized for his ride that resulted in the disqualification of a horse that finished first at Saratoga on Friday.
“Wine RougeNumber 9, ridden by John R. Velázquez, was disqualified from first place and placed fourth because he was handicapped
Wrigleyville on the home stretch during the 10th race on August 16, 2024 at Saratoga,” the NYSGC said.
The disqualification came after Velázquez rode the three-year-old mare Vino Rouge at 9-2 odds in a race with an $80,000 purse and optional claiming.
“Vino Rouge, three wide apart entering the first turn in midfield, stayed three wide apart just off the pace, was coaxed near the quarter pole, swung four wide apart into the top stretch, was roused to drive, took the lead three sixteenths from the end, pulled away under drive to the eighth pole, dug in under threat and backed off when shown a left-handed whip and was pulled on the right rein and came out, forcing Wrigleyville to check a sixteenth from the finish, which in turn forced both Pretty Ana and Toy Collector to check and switch inside that station, which in turn forced a chain of steadies and checks back to Hopesndreams, who dug in under threat and held on to prevail.”
