Following a dialog between Horseracing Integrity and Security Authority CEO Lisa Lazarus and representatives of jockey Paco Lopez Dec. 5, HISA has determined to droop Lopez indefinitely.
Lopez got here below hearth Dec. 3 after Parx Racing cameras caught him utilizing his crop to strike 2-year-old Nationwide Regulation within the head/neck space whereas slowing to a stroll after a gallop-out. The colt had simply received a one-mile-and-70-yard maiden particular weight whereas racing erratically within the stretch, practically operating into the skin railing.
KING: HISA Provisionally Suspends Lopez for Postrace Strike
HISA handed Lopez a provisional suspension Dec. 4 and, in response to Lazarus, each events agreed on Lopez’s indefinite suspension Thursday. HISA has authorized jurisdiction in most, however not all, racing states in the nation.
Lopez posted on X Thursday apologizing and stating that seeing all the web discourse brought about him to mirror on his actions.
“I take full accountability for my actions,” Lopez mentioned within the put up. “I’m conscious that our sport is below lots of scrutiny and I absolutely apologize to everybody concerned in our sport—followers, horsemen, administration, racing commissions, HISA and naturally, Nationwide Regulation.
“My actions have been reactionary, within the warmth of the second, and I’m actually sorry.”
Paco Lopez tries to maintain management of Nationwide Regulation as he drifts to the exterior rail in a maiden particular weight at Parx Racing
Lopez confirmed that he plans to take time away from racing and that he would search acceptable counseling to “work on myself.”
“It can’t be overstated how a lot I really like horses and this business,” Lopez mentioned. “Horseracing has been my complete life and I sit up for a return within the close to future.”
Lopez’s return will include a few situations. Lazarus said that she and Lopez’s representatives agreed that the jockey would make significant donations to the Completely Disabled Jockeys Fund and Thoroughbred aftercare group Second Name by the top of 2024. As soon as Lopez has accomplished his counseling program, HISA and Lopez’s representatives will meet once more to debate his progress.
“As soon as HISA is happy Lopez has dealt along with his points and is able to commit himself to prioritizing horse welfare and the security of his fellow jockeys, we’ll focus on his eventual return to Thoroughbred racing,” Lazarus mentioned.
Lopez was booked to experience 5 horses Dec. 7 at Jamaica’s Caymanas Park for his or her Mouttet Mile card. Cory Moran, Lopez’s agent, instructed BloodHorse Thursday that Lopez won’t be using Saturday.
