John Velázquez gets suspension, will miss 3 days next week

Jockey John Velázquez will miss races Wednesday, Thursday and Friday next week at Saratoga after getting a three-day suspension from the New York State Gaming Commission.

Velázquez waived his right to appeal, and the ruling was made final Tuesday, according to a post on the commission’s website.

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The Hall of Fame jockey was punished for his ride that led to the disqualification of a first-place finisher he rode Friday at Saratoga.

“Vino Rouge, number 9, ridden by John R. Velázquez, was disqualified from first position and placed fourth for interfering with Wrigleyville in the stretch during the running of the 10th race on Aug. 16, 2024, at Saratoga,” the NYSGC said.

The disqualification came after Velázquez rode 3-year-old filly Vino Rouge, carrying 9-2 win odds, in an $80,000 allowance, optional-claiming race.

“Vino Rouge, three wide through the first turn in mid pack, settled three wide just off the pace, came under coaxing nearing the quarter pole, swung four wide into upper stretch roused for the drive, took over command with three-sixteenths to go, inched away under a drive to the eighth pole, dug in under threat and shied out being shown a left-handed crop and got tugged on the right rein and came out, forcing Wrigleyville to check a sixteenth from home, which in turn forced both Pretty Ana and Toy Collector to check and alter in inside that station in turn forcing a chain of steadied and checks back through to Hopesndreams, dug in under threat and held on to prevail.”