Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where.

California
Track: Los Alamitos
Date: 07/04/2022
Licensee: Diego Herrera, jockey
Penalty: One-day suspension, $250 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Having violated the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2280 (Use of Riding Crop) and pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties–Class 3), Jockey Diego Herrera, who rode Wizard of Westwood in the seventh race at Los Alamitos Race Course on July 3, 2022, is suspended for ONE (1) day (July 22, 2022),and fined $250.00 for one (1) strike over the limit. Furthermore, Jockey Diego Herrera is assigned three (3) violation points that will be expunged on January 4, 2023, six (6) months from the date of final adjudication pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties).

Track: Los Alamitos
Date: 07/04/2022
Licensee: Ricardo Ramirez, jockey
Penalty: One-day suspension, $250 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Having violated the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2280 (Use of Riding Crop) and pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties– Class 3), Apprentice Jockey Ricardo Ramirez, who rode It's My House in the eighth race at Los Alamitos Race Course on July 3, 2022, is suspended for ONE (1) day (July 22, 2022), and fined $250.00 for one (1) strike over the limit. Furthermore, Apprentice Jockey Ricardo Ramirez is assigned three (3) violation points that will be expunged on January 4, 2023, six (6) months from the date of final adjudication pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties).

Track: Los Alamitos
Date: 07/09/2022
Licensee: Cesar Ortega, jockey
Penalty: One-day suspension, $250 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Having violated the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2280 (Use of Riding Crop) and pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties–Class 3), Jockey Cesar Ortega, who rode Trouble N Paradise in the first race at Los Alamitos Race Course on July 8, 2022, is suspended for ONE (1) day (July 22, 2022), and fined $250.00 for two (2) strikes over the limit. Furthermore, Jockey Cesar Ortega is assigned three (3) violation points that will be expunged on January 9, 2023, six (6) months from the date of final adjudication pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties).

Track: Los Alamitos
Date: 07/10/2022
Licensee: Ryan Curatolo, jockey
Penalty: One-day suspension, $250 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Having violated the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2280 (Use of Riding Crop) and pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties–Class 3), Jockey Ryan Curatolo, who rode Today Matters in the fourth race at Los Alamitos Race Course on July 9, 2022, is suspended for ONE (1) day (July 22, 2022), and fined $250.00 for one (1) strike over the limit. Furthermore, Jockey Ryan Curatolo is assigned three (3) violation points that will be expunged on January 10, 2023, six (6) months from the date of final adjudication pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties).

Track: Los Alamitos
Date: 07/10/2022
Licensee: Ricardo Ramirez, jockey
Penalty: One-day suspension, $250 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Having violated the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2280 (Use of Riding Crop) and pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties–Class 3), Apprentice Jockey Ricardo Ramirez, who rode SCRATCHY APACHE in the eighth race at Los Alamitos Race Course on July 9, 2022, is suspended for ONE (1) day (July 23, 2022), and fined $250.00 for one (1) strike over the limit. Furthermore, Apprentice Jockey Ricardo Ramirez is assigned three (3) violation points that will be expunged on January 10, 2023, six (6) months from the date of final adjudication pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties– 2nd offense since July 4, 2022).

Florida

The following was posted on the Association of Racing Commissioners International's “Weekly Rulings” website.

Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 06/29/2022
Licensee: Milton Munez, trainer
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: 11/5/2019 – Final Order – Case #2019-044770 – F.S. Chapter 550.2415 – violation = Flunixin. “J.P.'S ROSE” FINE IMPOSED. 6/29/2022 – Payment of Final Order Fine Received.

New York

Track: Belmont Park
Date: 07/10/2022
Licensee: Todd Pletcher, trainer
Penalty: $1,000 fine
Violation: Drug procedure misstep

Read more about the story at the DRF.

Track: Belmont Park
Date: 07/08/2022
Licensee: Joseph Parker, trainer
Penalty: $500
Violation: Procedural misstep necessitating scratch

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CALIFORNIA
Track: Los Alamitos
Date: 07/01/2022
Licensee: Diego Herrera, jockey
Penalty: $1,000 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Jockey Diego Herrera is fined $1,000.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688(b)(8)(d) (Use of Riding Crop – more than six times – third offense in the last sixty days) during the fifth race at Los Alamitos Race Course on June 26, 2022.

Track: Los Alamitos
Date: 07/01/2022
Licensee: Randal Gindi, owner
Penalty: Restoration of good standing
Violation: N/A
Explainer:  Owner Randal Gindi (dba Monster Racing) having satisfied a financial complaint filed by Bob Hubbard Horse Transport for $1,180.00, is restored to good standing and California Horse Racing Board ruling LAFL Ruling #06 is set aside.

Track: Los Alamitos
Date: 07/02/2022
Licensee: Edgar Payeras, jockey
Penalty: One day suspension, $250 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Having violated the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2280 (Use of Riding Crop) and pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties – Class 3), Jockey Edgar Payeras, who rode Bob's Sniper in the first race at Los Alamitos Race Course on July 1, 2022, is suspended for 1 day (July 9, 2022), and fined $250.00 for one (1) strike over the limit. Furthermore, Jockey Edgar Payeras is assigned three (3) violation points that will be expunged on January 2, 2023, six (6) months from the date of final adjudication pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties).

Track: Los Alamitos
Date: 07/02/2022
Licensee: Erick Garcia, jockey
Penalty: One day suspension, $250 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Having violated the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2280 (Use of Riding Crop) and pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties – Class 3), Jockey Erick Garcia, who rode Fun Coupons in the third race at Los Alamitos Race Course on July 1, 2022, is suspended for 1 day (July 9, 2022), and fined $250.00 for one (1) strike over the limit. Furthermore, Jockey Erick Garcia is assigned three (3) violation points that will be expunged on January 2, 2023, six (6) months from the date of final adjudication pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties).

Track: Los Alamitos
Date: 07/02/2022
Licensee: James Marsden, owner
Penalty: Restoration of good standing
Violation: N/A
Explainer: Owner James Marsden having satisfied a financial complaint filed by Steven Cole Ranch for $4,893.33, is restored to good standing and California Horse Racing Board ruling LATS Ruling #10 dated January 12, 2020, is set aside.

Track: Los Alamitos
Date: 07/03/2022
Licensee: Abdul Alsagoor, jockey
Penalty: One day suspension, $250 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Having violated the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2280 (Use of Riding Crop) and pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties – Class 3), Apprentice Jockey Abdul Alsagoor, who rode Stanford North in the fourth race at Los Alamitos Race Course on July 2, 2022, is suspended for 1 day (July 10, 2022), and fined $250.00 for one (1) strike over the limit. Furthermore, Apprentice Jockey Abdul Alsagoor is assigned three (3) violation points that will be expunged on January 3, 2023, six (6) months from the date of final adjudication pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties).

Track: Los Alamitos
Date: 07/03/2022
Licensee: Francisco Orduna-Rojas, jockey
Penalty: One day suspension, $250 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Having violated the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2280 (Use of Riding Crop) and pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties – Class 3), Jockey Francisco Orduna-Rojas, who rode Rawhide Rawlins in the third race at Los Alamitos Race Course on July 2, 2022, is suspended for 1 day (July 10, 2022), and fined $250.00 for one (1) strike over the limit. Furthermore, Jockey Francisco Orduna-Rojas is assigned three (3) violation points that will be expunged on January 3, 2023, six (6) months from the date of final adjudication pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties).

Track: Los Alamitos
Date: 07/04/2022
Licensee: Diego Herrera, jockey
Penalty: One day suspension, $250 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Having violated the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2280 (Use of Riding Crop) and pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties – Class 3), Jockey Diego Herrera, who rode Wizard of Westwood in the seventh race at Los Alamitos Race Course on July 3, 2022, is suspended for 1 day (July 22, 2022), and fined $250.00 for one (1) strike over the limit. Furthermore, Jockey Diego Herrera is assigned three (3) violation points that will be expunged on January 4, 2023, six (6) months from the date of final adjudication pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties).

Track: Los Alamitos
Date: 07/04/2022
Licensee: Ricardo Ramirez, jockey
Penalty: One day suspension, $250 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Having violated the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2280 (Use of Riding Crop) and pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties – Class 3), Apprentice Jockey Ricardo Ramirez, who rode It's My House in the eighth race at Los Alamitos Race Course on July 3, 2022, is suspended for ONE (1) day (July 22, 2022), and fined $250.00 for one (1) strike over the limit. Furthermore, Apprentice Jockey Ricardo Ramirez is assigned three (3) violation points that will be expunged on January 4, 2023, six (6) months from the date of final adjudication pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties).

KENTUCKY
Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 07/02/2022
Licensee: Chel-c Bailey, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Chel-c Bailey, who rode Pats Property in the seventh race at Churchill Downs on June 30, 2022 was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being her first offense, Ms. Bailey was given the option and chose to pay a fine. Chel-c Bailey is hereby fined $500 for her improper use of the crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner.

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CALIFORNIA
Track: Santa Anita
Date: 05/20/2022
Licensee: Abel Cedillo, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Jockey Abel Cedillo is fined $500.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board Rule #1688(b)(8)(d) (Use of Riding Crop – more than six times) during the fifth race at Santa Anita Park on May 15, 2022.
Track: Santa Anita
Date: 05/20/2022
Licensee: Rob Henie, owner
Penalty: Restoration of standing
Violation: N/A
Explainer: Owner Robert Henie, Jr. (dba Palm West Stable), having complied with the provisions of California Horse Racing Board rule #1876 (Financial Responsibility – $6,000 to trainer Monty Meier) is restored to good standing. LAFP #004 ruling issued at Los Angeles County Fair on September 8, 2008, is set aside.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 05/20/2022
Licensee: Tyler Baze, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Jockey Tyler Baze is fined $500.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688(b)(8)(d) (Use of Riding Crop – more than six times) during the fifth race at Santa Anita Park on May 15, 2022.
Track: Santa Anita
Date: 05/21/2022
Licensee: Librado Barocio, trainer
Penalty: $500 fine, ½ point assessment on license
Violation: Medication violation (horse working for removal from vet's list)
Explainer: Trainer Librado Barocio, who worked the horse Super Chief for removal from the Veterinarian's List at Santa Anita Park on March 31, 2022, is fined $500.00 and assessed one half (1/2) point in accordance with California Horse Racing Rule #1843.4 (Multiple Medication Violations – Expires 5/21/23) pursuant to California Horse Racing Board Rule #1887(a) (Trainer or Owner to Insure Condition of Horse) and Rule #1866(h) (Veterinarians List) for violation of California Horse Racing Board Rule #1588(a)(15) (Horse Ineligible to Start in a Race), Rule #1843(a)(b)(d) (Medication, Drugs and Other Substances) and Rule #1843.1(a) (Prohibited Drug Substances – Phenylbutazone [Class 4] – First Offense in 365 days).

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 05/21/2022
Licensee: Diego Herrera, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Jockey Diego Herrera is suspended for 3 racing days (May 28, 29 and 30, 2022) for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688(b)(8)(d) (Use of Riding Crop – more than six times – fourth offense in the last sixty (60) days) during the sixth race at Santa Anita Park on May 20, 2022.
Track: Santa Anita
Date: 05/22/2022
Licensee: Kyle Frey, jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Jockey Kyle Frey is fined $500.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688(b)(8)(d) (Use of Riding Crop – more than six times) during the fourth race at Santa Anita Park on May 21, 2022.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 05/22/2022
Licensee: Victor Espinoza, jockey
Penalty: $750 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Jockey Victor Espinoza is fined $750.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688(b)(8)(d) (Use of Riding Crop – more than six times – second offense in the last 60 days) during the ninth race at Santa Anita Park on May 21, 2022.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 05/22/2022
Licensee: Diego Herrera, jockey
Penalty: $1,500 fine and three-day suspension
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Jockey Diego Herrera is suspended for 3 racing days (June 3, 4 and 5, 2022) and fined $1,500.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688(b)(8)(d) (Use of Riding Crop – more than six times – fifth offense in the last sixty [60] days) during the sixth race at Santa Anita Park on May 21, 2022.

NEW YORK
Track: Belmont Park
Date: 05/19/2022
Licensee: Richard Gazer, clocker
Penalty: $2,500 fine and 30-day suspension (stayed pending appeal)
Violation: Altering published work
Explainer: Mr. Richard Gazer (Clocker) is hereby suspended 30 Calandar days and fined the sum of $2,500 dollars, for altering a published work of a horse to make the horse eligible to race. Having appealed a stay has been granted.

Read more about the issue here.
Track: Belmont Park
Date: 05/20/2022
Licensee: Ray Handal, trainer
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Failure to report shockwave treatment
Explainer: Mr. Raymond Handal has been fined the sum of $500.00 dollars for failing to report a shockwave treatment. Note that the above data is current as of 1:02 PM EDT, Tuesday, May 24, 2022, and subject to change as more information becomes available.

The post Weekly Rulings: May 17 – 23 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where.

California

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 04/20/2022
Licensee: Ed Moger, trainer
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Out of competition medication violation
Explainer: Trainer Ed Moger, who worked the horse Squalotoro for removal from the Veterinarian's List on March 10, 2022, at Santa Anita Park, is fined $500.00 pursuant to California Horse Racing Board Rules #1887(a) (Trainer or Owner to Insure Condition of Horse) for violation of California Horse Racing Board Rule #1866(h) (Veterinarian's List), #1843(a)(b)(d) (Medication, Drugs and Other Substances) and Rule #1843.1(a) (Prohibited Drug Substances – Phenylbutazone – Class 4).

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 04/20/2022
Licensee: Bob Hess, trainer
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Out of competition medication violation
Explainer: Trainer Robert Hess, who worked the horse Rantanen for removal from the Veterinarian's List on February 14, 2022, at Santa Anita Park, is fined $500.00 pursuant to California Horse Racing Board Rules #1887 (Trainer or Owner to Insure Condition of Horse) for violation of California Horse Racing Board Rule #1866(h) (Veterinarian's List), #1843(a)(b)(d) (Medication, Drugs and Other Substances), Rule 1844(d)(1) (Authorized Medication) and Rule #1843.1 (Prohibited Drug Substances – 5-Hydroxy Dantrolene [Class 4]).

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 04/20/2022
Licensee: Diego Herrera, jockey
Penalty: $1,000 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Apprentice Jockey Diego Herrera is fined $1,000.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688(b)(8)(d) (Use of Riding Crop – more than six times – third offense in the past sixty days) during the eighth race at Santa Anita Park on April 17, 2022.

Kentucky
The following ruling was not posted in time for inclusion last week.

Track: Keeneland
Date: 04/10/2022
Licensee: Brian Hernandez, Jr., jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: After waiving his right to a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Brian J. Hernandez, Jr., who rode Cilla in the seventh race at Keeneland on April 9, 2022, was found to have violated the crop regulation. This being his first offense, Mr. Hernandez was given the option and chose to pay a fine. Brian Hernandez, Jr. is hereby fined $500.00 for his improper use of the riding crop by exceeding the allowable use in the overhand manner. Upon receipt of this ruling, it is required within 30 days to pay any and all fines imposed to the Kentucky horse Racing Commission. Failure to do so will subject the licensee to summary suspension of license pursuant to 810 KAR 3:020 Section 15 (cc).

The post Weekly Stewards and Commissions Rulings, Apr. 19-25 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where.

CALIFORNIA
Track: Santa Anita
Date: 04/02/2022
Licensee: Bob Baffert, trainer
Penalty: Ninety-day suspension
Violation: Reciprocity of out-of-state medication violation penalty
Explainer: Pursuant to California Horse Racing Board rule #1484 (Evidence of Unfitness for License) the following ruling is issued in reciprocity after receiving notice of suspension from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, ruling (21-0009) dated February 21, 2022, issuing Trainer/Owner Robert Baffert ninety suspension days. Robert Baffert is suspended for 90 days (April 4, 2022, through and including July 2, 2022).

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 04/02/2022
Licensee: Mario Gutierrez, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: Jockey Mario Gutierrez, who rode ARDIS in the fourth race at Santa Anita Park on April 1, 2022, is suspended for 3 racing days (April 9, 10 and 15, 2022) for failure to make the proper effort to maintain a straight course in the stretch, causing interference which resulted in the disqualification of his mount from second to third place. This constitutes a violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1699 (Riding Rules – Careless Riding). Pursuant to California Horse Racing Board rule #1766 (Designated Races), the term of suspension shall not prohibit participation in designated races.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 04/03/2022
Licensee: Jonathan Wong, trainer
Penalty: $400 fine
Violation: Late registration of Lasix
Explainer: Trainer Jonathan Wong is fined $400.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1845 (Authorized Bleeder Medication – late registration) of My Kentucky Girl in the eighth race on April 2, 2022, at Santa Anita Park.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 04/03/2022
Licensee: Ryan Curatolo, jockey
Penalty: $750 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Jockey Ryan Curatolo is fined $750.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688(b)(8)(d) (Use of Riding Crop–more than six times–second offense within the past sixty days) during the third race at Santa Anita Park on April 2, 2022.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 04/03/2022
Licensee: Diego Herrera, apprentice jockey
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Apprentice Jockey Diego Herrera is fined $500.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688(b)(8)(d) (Use of Riding Crop – more than six times) during the ninth race at Santa Anita Park on April 2, 2022.

NEW YORK
Track: Aqueduct
Date: 04/03/2022
Licensee: Kendrick Carmouche, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: For having waived his right to appeal Jockey Kendrick Carmouche is hereby suspended three NYRA racing days April 14th 2022, April 15th 2022, April 16th 2022 inclusive. This for careless riding during the running of the eight race at Aqueduct racetrack on March 31st 2022. Suspended: 04/14/2022 to 04/16/2022 (3 days).

Track: Aqueduct
Date: 04/03/2022
Licensee: Wayne Potts, trainer
Penalty: Forty five-day suspension
Violation: Discovery of non-FDA approved drug on trainer grounds
Explainer: Trainer Mr. Wayne Potts for having waived his right to appeal is hereby suspended 45 calendar days April 10th 2022, through May 6th 2022 inclusive, and again June 6th through June 23rd 2022 inclusive, due to a previous ruling (suspension) handed down by the New Jersey Racing Commission. This for the finding of a drug in your tackroom that has not been approved by the FDA for use in Thoroughbred horses. Ordered that during your period of suspension, you shall not directly nor indirectly participate in New York State pari-mutuel horse racing. You are denied the privileges and use of the grounds for all racetracks in New York State. You are forbidden to participate in any share of purses or other payments. Every horse is denied the privileges of the grounds and shall not participate in pari-mutuel racing in New York State, that is (a) owned or trained by you, or by individuals who serves as your agent or employee during your suspension; or (b) for which you during your suspension are directly or indirectly with training, including any arrangements to care for, train, enter, race, invoice, collect fees or other payments, manage funds, employ or insure workers, provide advice or other information or otherwise assist with any aspect of the training of such horses. Suspended: 04/10/2022 to 06/23/2022 (45 days).
Read more about the issue here.

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They all started from the ground up: mucking stalls, grooming, walking hots. All too often nowadays, young upstarts are appearing and eschewing the shank for the helmet, goggles and jock's license, which is why it's so refreshing to spend some time with apprentice Diego Herrera who, at just 17, is wise beyond his years.

Herrera is currently eighth in the jockey standings at the Santa Anita meet with six winners.

“Just come to Los Al, I will be there all day,” he said. All day? What the hell is he doing there “all day”? Santa Anita is closed Tuesdays to workers so most jockeys take the day off.

Intrigued, I hopped in my car and headed down the 605 to Cypress, California. I arrived about 10:30 a.m., only to be greeted by the gate crew on their way out after finishing up the morning's trials, or “training races.” One horse was left on the track with a jockey riding legs-length and smiling as he walked off the track toward me. It was Herrera.

Once off his mount and at the barn, one thing stood out: there were no fewer than four wheelchairs in various states of disrepair, one of them housing a grinning Oscar Andrade, Sr. and his dog, Fendi. “He's hard on them,” said his wife, Elena, with a giggle.

Andrade was a very successful Quarter Horse jockey who once mimicked Frankie Dettori by winning seven races on a single card at Los Alamitos, a record that still stands today. His son, Oscar, Jr., was just 10 days old when Andrade was paralyzed in a spill in 2001.

It was evident that the Andrade barn was more than just horses. Herrera explained the father-son dynamic between himself and Andrade, who, funnily enough, is no relation at all.

“He's like a father to me, but also has been very hard on me. He has always told me, give 110% and never look back. That's what he did and he has no regrets.”

Herrera went on to talk about learning how to gallop on the farm, how Andrade would make him gallop the babies bareback or take away his stirrups.

Herrera remembers asking, “Why? I'm going to be riding with stirrups!” To which Andrade simply replied, “You never know.”

This invaluable lesson was evident Jan. 14 in the eighth race at Santa Anita, when he was riding a longshot at a mile on the grass. Herrera's stirrup became unbuckled, he lost an iron, kicked out the other one and went on to finish second aboard the Philip Oviedo-trained Explain This Audit (Vancouver {Aus}).

“That really, really opened my eyes,” said Herrera. “I thought after, 'Okay! That's why he did that.'”

Herrera was born in Inglewood, a stone's throw from Hollywood Park. His father owned some Quarter Horses and Herrera as a young boy would spend many days at Los Alamitos. When Herrera wasn't with his father, he would spend time “training” his pony, Sparky, a tiny bundle of fur, through the riverbeds of Los Angeles County.

According to Herrera, Sparky won match races from Long Beach to as far away as Idaho, carrying his flyweight 40-pound, 8-year-old rider, Herrera. It was here the racing bug took off.

Herrera with Oscar Andrade, Jr. | Courtesy of Diego Herrera

Back at Los Alamitos, he made fast friends with Andrade, Jr. The two of them would watch the races on the roof together, race each other on hay bales and even sneak into the jock's room to practice on the Equicizer. In between the fun and games, the two boys would be put to work by Andrade's mother and Quarter Horse trainer Elena, mucking stalls, raking the shedrow, anything that would earn them a leg up.

It was in the Andrade barn that Herrera felt he finally fit in.

“You know, as a kid I didn't really have a lot of friends,” said Herrera. “I talk to everybody but I didn't consider anybody else a real friend. But when I met Oscar, he showed me what that horseman feel is. You don't make relationships with people; you make them with horses.”

As Herrera and Andrade, Jr. grew up, they only had one thing on their mind and that was to go fast. But to go fast meant they would have to put the work in, as Elena Andrade explained: “Our barn, the deal is you have to learn the fundamentals. The foundation. The inside of a horse from the ground up, not just get on a horse and go fast.”

Herrera never intended to be a Thoroughbred jockey, thinking more along the lines of Quarter Horse pilots G. R. Carter and Cody Jensen. But it was at the behest of trainer Angela Aquino–sister of Elena–for Herrera to give Thoroughbreds a go. He was light, could do the weight, so why not?

It didn't take long for Herrera to start winning the regular nighttime 1,000-yard races and 4 1/2-furlong races for Thoroughbreds.

When he rode his first double, Scott Craigmyle–director of racing operations at Los Al–got on the phone, and just like that, he was off to Santa Anita, first under the tutelage of Vince DeGregory, who has handled the books of such luminaries as Shoemaker, Cordero and Pincay, and now under Derek Lawson, who previously managed Flavien Prat. As for his Quarter Horse business, that is handled by April Ward, who books all his mounts.

So, where did his Puritan work ethic come from?

Herrera said he grew up watching his father toil with his landscaping business day and night. “He wants to strive to be a better person in this world.” His father never went to school but always told his son, “A prepared young man is worth two.”

Herrera's GI Quarter Horse win on Kiss Thru Fire | William Zuazo

A pick-up mount on the favorite in a Grade I Quarter Horse event was not something the teenager was expecting the night of Jan. 2. Herrera recalled having 13 mounts already that day, five of them at Santa Anita. He was getting ready to go home when he got a call in the jock's room to pick up a mount.

“It was crazy,” said an animated Herrera. “I didn't know she was the favorite, and when I looked up, I saw she was and I was like, 'Okay, no pressure.'”

The horse in question was Kiss Thru Fire, the defending champ in the GI Charger Bar H., contested at 400 yards. Herrera called it a surreal moment as he hit the line half a length to the good.

Herrera picked up his first turf win going two turns on the Santa Anita sod the very next day.

So, what's next for the teen from Inglewood?

“I'm just going to keep working hard and learning every day,” he said, and then added, “A nomination for an Eclipse Award would be nice.”

Herrera's bug is over in April, but that won't stop this lad dreaming his dreams, now longer than 440 yards.

The post Diego Herrera: A Prepared Young Man is Worth Two appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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“At that time it was just blowing smoke, but now it doesn't seem as far-fetched,” Lawson said.

Diego Herrera, just 17 years old, was originally booked to ride 13 horses on Sunday, Jan. 2. He began the afternoon with the first turf win of his career at Santa Anita Park, taking a starter allowance race aboard Phil D'Amato trainee Solo Animo.

He ended the evening by picking up a 14th mount just 30 minutes prior to the Grade 1 Charger Bar Handicap at Los Alamitos. The apprentice easily guided Juan Aleman trainee Kiss Thru Fire to a half-length victory, earning the first graded stakes win of his career.

“It was pretty cool,” Herrera acknowledged. 

Though his official riding career began in 2021, Herrera has been involved in match racing since he was as young as 11. Prior to that, he and his pony “Sparky” would dream up match races on the beach near the family home in Inglewood, Calif. 

“I'd pretend that somebody else was running against me, I'd run him about 10 yards, then stop him and turn him back and do it again,” Herrera remembered. “He was the sweetest pony ever, just let me do whatever with him, and he was pretty fast, too!”

Diego Herrera and “Sparky” (photo provided)

That's not to say that Sparky didn't enter his fair share of match races, too, some right along the river bed where Herrera had learned to ride.

“Match racing is a part of the Mexican culture,” Herrera explained. “ Wherever we can race a horse against a horse, we do it!”

Diego Herrera and Sparky win a match race (photo provided)

If he wasn't riding Sparky, a young Herrera was practicing his form atop a bale of hay, or following his father around on jobs with his landscaping business with the hope that they'd be able to stop at the racetrack on their way home.

“I never wanted to be home,” he said. “When I was four years old, I'd hear my dad wake up and go to put on my little boots and want to go to work with him.”

Herrera's father, from Agua Caliente in Mexico, worked cattle aboard horses on his family farm, and since moving to the U.S. has owned racing Quarter Horses for years. When his son was old enough, the family traveled as far away as Washington and Colorado so that he could ride in the match races.

Since school was important to Herrera's mother, he committed to finishing his high school diploma at the charter school of Lennox Academy. The arrival of the pandemic in early 2020 made it a bit easier for Herrera to get a job on the racetrack in the mornings, then head home to complete his online studies.

“My parents both busted their bum to give me a better life,” said Herrera. “I knew I needed to respect that.”

Continuing his education even while working at the track and riding as many as two tracks in one day, Herrera earned his diploma last month. 

Meanwhile, his racetrack education had continued at Los Alamitos under the tutelage of the Andrade family, first as a hotwalker and a groom, and eventually as an exercise rider. Oscar Andrade Sr. was once a rising superstar in the Quarter Horse jockey ranks, setting a record that still stands when he rode seven winners during a single night at Los Alamitos on June 5, 2001.

Sadly, tragedy struck just months later when Andrade Sr. was paralyzed from the chest down in a racing accident. His wife, Elena, began training in 2004, and they've remained major players in the Quarter Horse industry in Southern California. 

“I owe a lot to them,” Herrera said. “They taught me that you never stop learning in this business, and that every horse is different every single day. They taught me the discipline, and that you have to be open to learn new things and never stop learning.”

April Ward, longtime assistant to Hall of Fame (Thoroughbred) trainer Bob Wheeler, has been with Herrera from the beginning of his professional career and books all his Quarter Horse mounts. However, Los Alamitos racing director Scott Craigmyle suggested the young jockey try Thoroughbreds, as well, and introduced Herrera to agent Vince DeGregory, a legend in his own right. The pair began making the rounds at Santa Anita Park.

“I just fell in love with the place,” Herrera said.

DeGregory helped Herrera get his first mount on Thoroughbreds, and though Herrera is now represented by Lawson, he'll never forget the influence of the older horseman. DeGregory's resume includes jockeys like Angel Cordero Jr., Chris McCarron, Laffit Pincay Jr., Bill Shoemaker, Alex Solis, Jacinto Vasquez and Jorge Velasquez, in addition to Victor Espinoza, Darrel McHargue and Joel Rosario.

“He told me never to put myself below these other riders,” said Herrera. “We all go out and do the same thing, and we're all in the same game, so I should always be confident in myself.”

Herrera quickly learned how much he enjoyed the strategy that is such a crucial part of the Thoroughbred game.

“In Quarter Horse races you get a clean break and you go on with it,” he explained. “The Thoroughbreds are so different, with different strategies and techniques, so I think that's one of the big reasons I like it so much. I get the same adrenaline rush going 300 yards as I do turning into the stretch in the longer races.”

In 2021, Herrera rode 44 Thoroughbred winners from 376 starters, as well as 25 Quarter Horse winners from 198 mounts, according to Equibase. He plans to keep up with both breeds for the time being, letting Ward work out the scheduling with Lawson.

“Most people are surprised when I tell them he's only 17 years old,” Lawson said. “His work ethic is impeccable, and the fact that he pays attention to what he's told when working the horses in the morning and in the afternoon is impressive. It's refreshing to see that kind of development in somebody so young.”

“I just want to keep doing what I'm doing, become a better and smarter rider, then hopefully after the bug is gone (in April) I can stay at Santa Anita and continue to be successful,” said Herrera. “I have to be on my A-game, and make sure my mentality is right every time I walk out of the jock's room. I may ride a lot of longshots, but I try to be very confident in my horse and in everyone behind the scenes.”

Diego Herrera rides Solo Animo to victory in a starter allowance race at Santa Anita on Jan. 2, 2022

Gentry Farms' Kiss Thru Fire wins the Charger Bar Handicap and is the first repeat winner in this race since champion Quirky in 2015-16. Jockey Diego Herrera also wins his first G1 stakes. Juan Aleman trains the multiple G1 stakes winner Kiss Thru Fire. pic.twitter.com/auhZk19X4M

— Los Alamitos Race Course (@losalracing) January 3, 2022

The post Breeders’ Cup Presents Connections: From Quarter Horses To Thoroughbreds, 17-Year-Old Herrera Is Off And Running appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Every week, the TDN publishes a roundup of key official rulings from the primary tracks within the four major racing jurisdictions of California, New York, Florida and Kentucky.

Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public and where.

California

Track: Santa Anita

Date: 12/21/2021

Licensee: Doug O'Neill, trainer

Penalty: $5,000 fine

Violation: Violation of authorized bleeder medication rule

Explainer: Pursuant to a Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release with the California Horse Racing Board, Trainer Doug O'Neill, who failed to post 5 Detention Stall Signs at Los Alamitos Race Course on July 5, 2021, is fined $5,000 for violation of California Horse Racing Board Rule #1845 (c)(2)(A) (Authorized Bleeder Medication).

Track: Santa Anita

Date: 12/31/2021

Licensee: Diego Herrera, jockey

Penalty: $750

Violation: Riding crop violation

Explainer: Apprentice Jockey Diego Herrera is fined $750 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688(b)(8) (Use of Riding Crop–more than six times during the running of the race–Second offense within the past sixty days) during the eighth race at Santa Anita Park on December 27, 2021.

Track: Santa Anita

Date: 01/01/2022

Licensee: Emily Ellingwood, jockey

Penalty: Three-day suspension

Violation: Careless riding

Explainer: Apprentice Jockey Emily Ellingwood, who rode Wiki Wahine in the first race at Santa Anita Park Dec. 31, 2021, is suspended for 3 racing days (Jan. 8, 9 and 14, 2022), for altering course without sufficient clearance on the backside and causing interference. This constitutes a violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1699 (Riding Rules–careless riding). Pursuant to California Horse Racing Board rule #1766 (Designated Races) the term of suspension shall not prohibit participation in designated races.

Track: Santa Anita

Date: 01/02/2022

Licensee: Wayne Barnett, jockey

Penalty: Three-day suspension

Violation: Riding crop violation

Explainer: Jockey Wayne Barnett, who rode Philosopher's Tone in the first race at Santa Anita Park Jan. 1, 2022, is suspended for 3 racing days, (January 9, 14 and 15, 2022) for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1688 (c)(2) (Use of Riding Crop–not in the underhand position–second offense in the last 60 days). Pursuant to California Horse Racing Board rule #1766 (Designated Races) the term of suspension shall not prohibit participation in designated races.

The post Weekly Rulings: Dec. 28, 2021–Jan. 2, 2022 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Sassy Chasey (Herrera) was racing in third, in between frontrunners Katie's Paradise (Valdivia) to the outside and Scream and Shout along the rail when she appeared to clip the heels of Katie's Paradise and went down, setting off the chain reaction that involved Backtoflash and Cesar Ortega; Whiskey Blue and Kyle Frey; Siena Silk and Emily Ellingwood; Renegade Princess and Tyler Baze; Phoenix Tears and Tiago Pereira; and Corners Up and Juan Espinoza.

Miraculously, there were no serious injuries among jockeys or horses, with four riders going to a local hospital for evaluation before being discharged. Among the seven horses, there were only a few lacerations that required stitches. All were back in their stalls Sunday night.

Valdivia received a 10-day suspension, and Herrera received five days. Herrera's agent, Vince DeGregory, said the apprentice jockey does not plan to appeal. However, Valdivia's agent, Nick Hines, is planning an appeal.

“What can you say?” Hines told DRF. “Ultra-surprised and flabbergasted, to single Jose out when the rider who clipped heels admitted fault. They've made Jose out to be doubly responsible.”

Read more at the Daily Racing Form.

The post Two Jockeys Suspended For Roles In Accident Causing Seven-Horse Spill At Del Mar appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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“In all of my years on the racetrack since I was 16, it's over 70 years that I've seen horse racing, I never saw anything like that one in my lifetime,” DeGregory said.

The legendary agent was referring to the chain-reaction spill that began when his rider, apprentice Diego Herrera, clipped heels while aboard Sassy Chasey approaching the far turn of the six-furlong maiden claiming race for fillies and mares. After Sassy Chasey and Herrera went down, six other horses also fell or lost their riders, leaving just five of the 12 starters to finish the race.

Miraculously, there were no serious injuries among jockeys or horses, with four riders going to a local hospital for evaluation before being discharged. Among the seven horses, there were only a few lacerations that required stitches. All were back in their stalls Sunday night.

Sassy Chasey was racing in third, in between frontrunners Katie's Paradise to the outside and Scream and Shout along the rail when she appeared to clip the heels of Katie's Paradise and went down, setting off the chain reaction that involved Backtoflash and Cesar Ortega; Whiskey Blue and Kyle Frey; Siena Silk and Emily Ellingwood; Renegade Princess and Tyler Baze; Phoenix Tears and Tiago Pereira; and Corners Up and Juan Espinoza.

Sassy Chasey scrambled to her feet with a saddle that slipped back from the impact of hitting the ground and began bucking while heading off in the wrong direction up the backstretch. At least two other horses scrambled to their feet and ran in that direction, while four runners continued behind the field without their riders.

The race was completed, with Mongolian Panther finishing first under Edwin Maldonado, but stewards would eventually declare the event “no contest,” citing a California Horse Racing Board rule giving stewards the option to do so if “mechanical failure or interference during the running of the race affects the majority of horses in such race.”

Flavien Prat, who was aboard one of the two early leaders, Scream and Shout, said he was unaware of the accident until the finish when he saw horses galloping around the clubhouse in the wrong direction. One of those horses, Phoenix Tears, jumped over a temporary railing at the gap near the seven-eighths pole that leads to the stables. The other horses were rounded up by outriders.

Four of the jockeys, who walked across the infield while medical personnel attended to Baze, Ellingwood and Ortega, were greeted with cheers from the crowd as they returned to the jockeys' room.

Pereira, who only 24 hours earlier won his first U.S. Grade 1 race in the $1 million TVG Pacific Classic, stopped along the railing to kiss his wife and young daughter. Pereira's agent, Patty Sterling, said Pereira's wife urged him to go to a local hospital for evaluation after he said his hip was sore. Baze, Ellingwood, Ortega and Pareira all went to Scripps La Jolla for X-rays and CT scans.

On Monday morning, agents for the four riders said each had some degree of body soreness but no broken bones or concussions. Reports on all seven horses were also positive, with no serious injuries documented, with only a few minor lacerations that required stitches.

DeGregory said Herrera was also suffering from body soreness on Monday, but he was not among those who went to the hospital. Herrera will have a meeting with the stewards to review the incident. “I told him to stand up for himself,” said DeGregory, who believes the outside horse, ridden by Jose Valdivia, made it too tight for Sassy Chasey as the field approached the far turn. “I told him, 'When they show you the head-on shot you'll have a better idea of what happened.'”

Sterling said Pereira had soreness in his ribs and right hip but that he hoped to ride Thursday afternoon while taking mornings off until then.

Sterling also represents Ortega, an apprentice who has been involved in two other mishaps this meet while struggling to find the winner's circle. She said the 26-year-old would take off the rest of the meet, regroup and point for the Los Alamitos meeting that follows Del Mar's closing day Sept. 6.

Jack Carava, agent for Tyler Baze, said the rider complained of some chest pain Sunday night and overall body soreness on Monday morning. He will take the week off, including a scheduled trip West Virginia to ride Restrainedvengence for trainer Val Brinkerhoff in Friday's $800,000 Charles Town Classic. He said Baze will return to ride the final week at Del Mar, Sept. 2-6.

Agent Fernando Navarro said his two riders, Ellingwood and Frey, both worked horses Monday morning and will ride this week. Ellingwood has bruising of the rotator cuff, Navarro said.

The post All Jockeys, Horses Escape Serious Injury In Seven-Horse Spill At Del Mar appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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