Report: Jockey Mychel Sanchez suspended for betting on races

Jockey Mychel J. Sanchez has been suspended by the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission for allegedly wagering on horse races, according to an article published Friday in Paulick Report,

While there is no official ruling on the Pennsylvania commission's web site, Sanchez was removed from all of his scheduled mounts Friday at Laurel Park when officials at the Maryland track were made aware of the suspension. Michael Hopkins, executive director of the Maryland Racing Commission, told Paulick Report he was informed Sanchez had been hit with a 60-day suspension by Pennsylvania regulators. 

"You can't bet against yourself," Hopkins said of the reason for Sanchez's suspension. Hopkins added Maryland has launched its own investigation into the matter. 

Later on Friday, 1/ST Racing (formerly The Stronach Group) sent out a statement saying Sanchez is "banned indefinitely" from riding at any of its tracks, which includes Laurel Park and Gulfstream Park among others.

"After learning of the serious allegations of illegal wagering on the part of jockey Mychel Sanchez, effective immediately 1/ST RACING will institute an indefinite ban against him from training or racing at any 1/ST RACING venue. Any decision regarding Sanchez’s reinstatement will be made at a later time. 1/ST RACING stands on the principles of integrity and accountability, and we believe there is no place in our sport for this kind of unethical and illegal activity.”

Sanchez is a former leading rider at Parx in Pennsylvania. In 2021, he rode 155 winners and banked more than $5.7 million in purse earnings. He last rode at Parx on Wednesday. 

Sanchez was named to ride on three horses Friday at Laurel and one on Saturday. He also had multiple mounts booked for next week at Parx. 

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