By Sue Finley
The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has raised concerns about the winning Preakness ride by Paco Lopez on Napoleon Solo, suggesting that Lopez raised his whip above his helmet on three different occasions before striking his horse, in violation of HISA regulations.
HISA announced Monday night that they were investigating the concerns.
“The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is aware of the concerns raised regarding Paco Lopez's ride in the referenced race at Laurel Park,” the organization wrote in an email. “In accordance with the standard regulatory process, the Stewards at Laurel will review the race footage and all relevant facts to determine whether any action is warranted under HISA's riding crop rules. We will defer to the Stewards' independent review and adjudication process and will not comment further while that review is ongoing.”
A spokesman for Laurel Park referred the TDN to HISA's statement.
PETA circulated still photos taken from the head-on video of the Preakness which appear to show Lopez raising the whip above his head in violation of HISA rule 2280 (c) (1), which reads, “(c) A Jockey shall not: (1) raise the crop with the Jockey's wrist above the Jockey's helmet when using the crop.”
PETA's email to media members reads, “PETA has reviewed video footage of Saturday's Preakness Stakes, and the images appear to show yet another serious rule violation by winning jockey Paco Lopez. Video stills indicate that Lopez, riding Napoleon Solo, raised his whip hand above his helmet three different times before striking the horse—conduct prohibited under Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) rules (2280 (c)(1)). This apparent violation comes just weeks after Lopez completed a six-month suspension for multiple whip violations. His record speaks volumes: Prior to that suspension, Lopez was suspended at least six additional times in 2025 and amassed 22 whip violations since HISA's Racetrack Safety Program took effect in July 2022. PETA has provided the stills to HISA and asked for an investigation.
“Jockeys who repeatedly flout rules designed to protect horses have no place in racing,” the PETA email continued. “Just weeks after serving a six‑month suspension for violating whip rules, Paco Lopez appears to have ridden to victory in Saturday's Preakness Stakes while breaking the very same rule by yet again raising his whip hand above helmet level before striking Thoroughbred Napoleon Solo. Lopez has violated whip rules multiple times and served at least six suspensions in 2025 alone. He has shown again and again, particularly in big money races like the $2 million Preakness Stakes and the $500,000 Forego Stakes at Saratoga Race Course last fall, that he has no regard for the rules—or for the horses those rules are meant to protect. PETA is calling on racing officials to review the video and still shots to determine if this serial violator's conduct warrants forfeiture of his $120,000 share of the Preakness prize money and banishment from racing.”
Lopez's attorney, Drew Mollica, said, “We have no knowledge of any inquiry or any issues.”
The Maryland stewards are expected to review Saturday's race videos when they return to work on Thursday.
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