Jockey Martin Pedroza suspended after altercation with valet

A 15-day suspension and $500 fine was handed to jockey Martin Pedroza on Friday for fighting with a valet at Santa Anita Park, according to the track's publicity department.

The California Horse Racing Board stewards at Santa Anita said Pedroza and valet Maximo Corrales fought in the jockeys’ room Dec. 29. As Corrales was walking away, Pedroza used a helmet to strike Corrales in the head, which steward Scott Chaney said knocked Corrales out.

"The fight was broken up, and as Corrales was walking away, he was struck in the head with a helmet, was attended to by paramedics, and transported to the hospital," steward Grant Baker told BloodHorse. "Pedroza also went to the hospital for examination."

Pedroza’s suspension is scheduled for Feb. 20 through March 6, which is seven racing days. Pedroza is still able to appeal. He last had an altercations with trainer Richard Baltas in December 2014. In addition to the suspension, Pedroza is to adhere to the recommendation of the Winners’ Foundation regarding anger management education.

The exercise rider/valet Corrales, who was struck by Pedroza on the head with a helmet in the incident, was fined $500 and also ordered to adhere to the recommendation of the Winners’ Foundation regarding anger management