The Arkansas Racing Commission issued exercise rider Cristian Garcia a 90-day suspension due to “inhumane or improper treatment of an animal” as well as for testing positive for prohibited substances, according to a ruling posted on the Association of Racing Commissioners International website.
Garcia, previously employed by champion trainer Brad Cox, injured the horse Blue Norther in the eye with his crop on March 5, 2022. The incident occurred at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark., and on the same date the 3-year-old son of Frosted was recorded breezing a half-mile in 49.40 seconds.
Cox indicated that Blue Norther, a winner of a maiden claiming race at Oaklawn on Feb. 20, was doing well and would be fine.
Garcia later tested positive for prohibited substances while at Oaklawn on March 7, 2022.
After a hearing on March 11, stewards suspended Garcia for 90 days over the riding crop incident. He was suspended an additional 30 days for the prohibited substances infraction.
The two penalties will be served concurrently from March 7, 2022 through June 5, 2022, and Garcia must submit a sample clean of prohibited substances in order to be considered for reinstatement.
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