Following a provisional suspension from the Horseracing Integrity and Security Authority, jockey Paco Lopez has determined to take time away from racing.
“I’ve determined to take time away from racing and, within the path of a number of of my fellow riders, search applicable counseling and work on myself,” Lopez said in a Dec. 5 publish on X.
Lopez got here underneath hearth Dec. 3 after Parx Racing cameras caught him utilizing his crop to strike 2-year-old Nationwide Legislation within the head/neck space whereas slowing to a stroll after a gallop-out. The colt had simply completed successful a one-mile-and-70-yard maiden particular weight whereas racing erratically within the stretch, practically working into the surface railing.
KING: HISA Provisionally Suspends Lopez for Postrace Strike
Lopez mentioned he noticed the discourse on social media as trade members had been outraged by his actions, inflicting him to take time to mirror.
“I take full accountability for my actions,” Lopez mentioned within the publish. “I’m conscious that our sport is underneath a number of scrutiny and I absolutely apologize to everybody concerned in our sport—followers, horsemen, administration, racing commissions, HISA and naturally, Nationwide Legislation.
“My actions had been reactionary, within the warmth of the second, and I’m actually sorry.”
Lopez was booked to journey 5 horses Dec. 7 at Jamaica’s Caymanas Park for his or her Mouttet Mile card. Cory Moran, Lopez’s agent, informed BloodHorse Thursday that Lopez won’t be driving Saturday.
