Suspensions are delayed for Calif. riders hit by new rule

Jockeys Diego Herrera and Ryan Curatolo, two of the earliest riders to be sanctioned for riding crop violations under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, have received stays of their suspensions and fines.

Liz Beadle, a spokeswoman for the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, told Horse Racing Nation the delay will allow time for appeals.

Herrera and Curatolo originally were to be suspended on Friday, opening day at Del Mar. But both riders appealed the sanctions last Monday through attorney Bing Bush, and both argue that they used the crop for "safety purposes," According to the Paulick Report, Bush said he understood these appeals will be heard during the week of Aug. 8.

Herrera and Curatolo were sanctioned under HISA rule 2280. Herrera was cited for striking his mount Wizard of Westwood seven times during a July 3 race at Los Alamitos, one more strike than the rule allows. Curatolo was cited for striking Today Matters seven times in a July 8 race at Los Alamitos. Both jockeys were issued a one-day suspension, a $250 fine and three violation points.

According to HISA rule 2282, it is considered a Class 3 violation to strike a horse with the crop one to three times more than the limit. Going four to nine strikes over the limit is a Class 2 violation, punishable by a $500 minimum fine, three-day suspension and loss of purse. Ten or more strikes over the limit is considered a Class 1 violation, punishable by a fine of at least $750, a five-day suspension and loss of purse.