Jockey Junior Alvarado has been fined $62,000 and suspended two Kentucky racing days after using the whip two more times than is permitted when winning the GI Kentucky Derby aboard Sovereignty, according to a Kentucky stewards' ruling Friday.
Under Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) rules, jockeys can use the crop no more than six times during a race.
The typical penalty for going one to three strikes over the limit is 10% of the jockey's earnings or a $250 fine, whichever is bigger. Alvarado's share of the Derby purse was $310,000. It typically comes with a one-day suspension.
This, however, was Alvarado's second whip violation within 180 days, according to the stewards' ruling.
According to HISA Rule 2283 (c)(1), a second violation within that 180-day period results in a doubling of the fine and a doubling of the suspension period.
Alvarado's two-day suspension will run May 29 and 30.
According to the BloodHorse, the ruling is under appeal, which will likely be heard by a three-person HISA Internal Adjudication Panel.
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