Paco Lopez apologizes for crop incident, will take break

Jockey Paco Lopez apologized Thursday for his actions at Parx Racing on Tuesday, when he struck a horse in the neck with a crop during the gallop out after the fifth race.

Lopez was suspended indefinitely by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority for the incident.

"I take full responsibility for my actions," Lopez said in an X post. "I am aware that our sport is under a lot of scrutiny and I fully apologize to everyone involved in our sport – fans, horsemen, management, racing commissions, HISA and of course, national law. My actions were reactionary, in the heat of the moment, and I am truly sorry."

Lopez said he has decided to take time away from racing, seek counseling "and work on myself."

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

HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus said in a statement Thursday, "Today I spoke at length with Paco Lopez’s representatives. They shared Lopez's remorse for his actions and his commitment to undergo counseling to address his recent conduct.

"We also agreed Lopez would make meaningful donations to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and Thoroughbred aftercare organization Second Call prior to the end of the year and that we would meet after he completes his counseling program to discuss his progress.

"Once HISA is satisfied Lopez has dealt with his issues and is ready to commit himself to prioritizing horse welfare and the safety of his fellow jockeys, we will discuss his eventual return to Thoroughbred racing. Until such time, the parties have agreed that Lopez will be suspended indefinitely."

Before the HISA suspension was announced, Thoroughbred owner Mike Repole said he and trainer Todd Pletcher would ask the Gulfstream Park racing office to remove Lopez from a mount scheduled for Sunday.

Jorge Duarte Jr., trainer of National Law, defended the jockey, said in a later-deleted post on X, "Jockeys are the toughest athletes. We have mental health involved already anyone who saw the whole stretch run would say Paco was outstanding keeping the horse safe. We need to focus on things that matter."

Stephen Santulli of owner Colts Neck Stables posted on X, "We do not agree with the action he took, nor Jorge Duarte’s opinions on how the situation was handled. It is truly one of the most unwarranted actions I have seen lately. Colts Neck Stables has not and will not ever condone this type of treatment towards horses."