By Bill Finley
As first reported by Sean Collins of BloodHorse May 3, Junior Alvarado is facing a fine for excessive use of the whip in the GI Kentucky Derby, which he won aboard Sovereignty (Into Mischief).
Under HISA rules, jockeys can use the crop no more than six times. The website reports that Alvarado used his whip at least seven times, including once after Sovereignty took a clear lead at the sixteenth pole. According to the report, Alvarado realized he had exceeded the limit after watching the replay of the race.
“I couldn't keep track of that,” he told BloodHorse. “It's such a big race, there's so much that you've got on your mind.”
Alvarado did not return a phone call from the TDN Monday. His agent, Mike Sellitto told the TDN that he was not aware of any action being taken against his rider.
Should it be found that he exceeded the six-strike limit, Alvarado will face a costly fine. The penalty for going one strike over the limit is 10% of the jockey's earnings. Alvarado's share of the purse was $310,000, which means his fine would be $31,000. He would also face a one-day suspension.
The story on BloodHorse said their review of the race showed Alvarado going to the whip at least seven times.
According to Mandy Minger, spokesperson for HISA, Alvarado will meet with the Churchill Downs stewards on Thursday, May 8.
“At that time, Junior Alvarado will have the opportunity to explain whether his use of the crop violated HISA's riding crop rules,” Minger said in an email.
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