Less than 2 months after crop incident, HISA reinstates López

Jockey Paco López will be reinstated on a conditional basis effective Thursday following his indefinite suspension on Dec. 4 for striking a horse in the neck with a riding crop in violation of Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority rules.

The incident occurred at Parx the previous day, meaning Thursday marks 51 days afterward.

HISA announced Saturday in a news release that López has 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, López 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.

“Paco López has demonstrated his commitment to conducting himself in a manner required of professional jockeys,” HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus said. “He has expressed remorse and a desire to return to riding with a renewed understanding of the responsibility that comes with the privilege of working with horses.”

Video posted on X showed López striking National Law after the 2-year-old colt won a maiden special-weight race despite drifting out to the outer rail.