HISA suspends Paco Lopez for violating reinstatement terms

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority suspended jockey Paco Lopez for six months, effective Tuesday.

The suspension stems from Lopez’s violation of the terms of his conditional reinstatement after he initially was suspended for a Dec. 4 incident in which he struck his mount in the neck in the gallop-out after a race at Parx. Video posted on X showed Lopez striking National Law after the 2-year-old colt won a maiden special-weight race despite drifting out to the outer rail. He was reinstated in January.

"Since Mr. Lopez returned from his suspension in January 2025, he has been found by stewards to have committed 10 violations of HISA’s riding crop rule, including eight violations in which the crop was raised with his wrist above his helmet when using the crop," HISA said. "The cumulative nature of the violations demonstrates a pattern of disregard for HISA’s rules and presents risk of injury to covered horses."

But Daily Racing Form reported that he was penalized for raising his crop above his helmet when riding Book'em Danno to a win in the Grade 1 Forego on Aug. 23.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said in a news release Tuesday that it complained to HISA about Lopez, claiming he raised his wrist above his helmet and struck Book’em Danno at least four times.

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. 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."

Lopez's attorney, Drew Mollica, said he would file an appeal of the suspension and request a stay, TDN reported. He also said Lopez denied breaking his agreement with HISA.

After the December incident at Parx, Lopez apologized and said he would take time away from racing, seek counseling "and work on myself."

When he was reinstated in January, HISA said he 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, according to HISA.

Lopez resumed racing on Jan. 25, and a few days later, he and agent Corey Moran parted ways because of what Moran called "irreconcilable differences."

Lopez leads all North American jockeys with 300 wins from 1,194 starts this year. He was scheduled to ride First Mission on Saturday in the Grade 1 Goodwood Stakes, a Breeders' Cup Classic qualifier.