Jockey Lopez returns from another Gulfstream Park suspension

Paco Lopez will return to riding at Gulfstream Park on Friday after serving a five-day suspension handed down as a result of his mount's disqualification from a victory in the sixth race on March 22 at the Hallandale Beach, Fla., track.

With Lopez aboard Memphis Showboat in a starter optional claiming race for 3-year-old fillies going a mile on the turf, stewards determined Lopez had caused interference late in the race when the pair angled out sharply, pushing out Addison and causing Tournesol to fan wide at the top of the stretch.

Memphis Showboat reached the first but was placed last. Special Liaison was named the winner of the race while Addison, piloted by Luis Saez for trainer Dale Romans was placed second.

Cory Moran, agent for Lopez, confirmed the suspension's term. A track spokesman indicated the race from which it stemmed.

Lopez rode a record-tying seven winners on the card at Gulfstream Park the day before this incident, joining the company of Luis Saez (twice), Tyler Gaffalione and Hall of Famer Jerry Bailey. Saez achieved the feat Jan. 24, 2018 and March 29, 2018. Gaffalione won seven on July 4, 2017, while Bailey set the record on March 11, 1996.

The ride took place during Gulfstream Park’s Championship meet, but the resulting suspension was served during the first five race days of the current meet. Lopez was barred from riding on April 2, 3, 4, 5 and 9.

Among other terms for aggressive riding, Lopez was assessed two lengthy suspensions in 2019 by Gulfstream stewards, receiving 30 days in February after an incident that left fellow rider Romero Maragh hospitalized with a spinal injury and 60 days in April for "continued careless riding." Lopez ended up seeing his sentence slashed to 30 days for the latter suspension.