Report: Mountaineer jockey begins suspension for striking horse

Jockey Yuri Yaranga, charged by West Virginia stewards with striking a rival horse at Mountaineer with his crop, began serving a 10-day suspension Monday, Daily Racing Form reported.

The incident occurred in the eighth race on July 10, according to the report. He was leading with Yo Yo Mon in the deep stretch when his mount drifted outward and another horse, Lucky Stepper approached from the outside. Yranga reached high over his shoulder to use the crop, according to the report, striking Lucky Stepper across the face.

Yo Yo Mon crossed the wire a head in front of Lucky Stepper, according to the Equibase chart, but was disqualified for interference and placed second.

A hearing was held on July 16 and the stewards issued their ruling on July 17. Yaranga was prohibited from riding until Aug. 1.

Yaranga has a 99: 14-12-17 record at Mountaineer this year.