HISA Suspends Jockey Lopez for Six Months
The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority has announced that jockey Paco Lopez has been suspended for six months, effective Sept. 23.
The regulator said the suspension stems from Lopez’s violation of the terms of his conditional reinstatement, related to a Dec. 4, 2024, incident involving Lopez’s use of the riding crop on National Law . Lopez is a nine-time grade 1 winner, including a victory in this year’s Forego Stakes aboard Book’em Danno .
As for the National Law violation, Lopez came under fire Dec. 3 after Parx Racing cameras caught him using his crop to strike the 2-year-old in the head/neck area while slowing to a walk after a gallop-out. The colt had just won a one-mile-and-70-yard maiden special weight race while racing erratically in the stretch, nearly running into the outside railing.
Lopez did apologize for that incident on social media.
“I take full responsibility for my actions,” Lopez said in the post. “I am aware that our sport is under a lot of scrutiny and I fully apologize to everyone involved in our sport—fans, horsemen, management, racing commissions, HISA and of course, National Law.
“My actions were reactionary, in the heat of the moment, and I am truly sorry.”
Lopez returned to riding Jan. 23 under the conditional reinstatement. Tuesday’s release did not mention specifics on Lopez’s violation of terms of his conditional reinstatement.
According to HISA records, Lopez was sanctioned for crop rule violations after a July 9 winning ride in an allowance-optional claiming race aboard Protected at Monmouth Park and for crop rule violations after an April 23 ride aboard Speightster Red in a claiming race at Parx. Each violation resulted in a one-day suspension and the July 9 violation also carried a fine of $431.25.
Ahead of his return in January, HISA noted that Lopez had, “met all conditions required for reinstatement, demonstrating his commitment to upholding the standards of conduct and integrity expected of participants in horse racing. During his suspension, Lopez participated in required therapy sessions, which he has pledged to continue, and made sizable donations to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund and Second Call Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement.”
In announcing the six-month suspension Tuesday, HISA said it remains committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and integrity in horse racing.
“We take any behavior that undermines the trust of participants and fans with the utmost seriousness,” the release said. “By enforcing rules consistently, we aim to promote fairness in the adjudication process, protect both horses and riders and preserve confidence in the integrity of the sport.”
This story may be updated
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
