Junior Alvarado, who rode the horse Sovereignty to victory at this year’s Kentucky Derby, is considering an appeal against the fine and ban he received for overuse of his whip during the race.
The jockey was found to have used the whip “more than the permitted amount” the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) said on Saturday. Under HISA regulations, jockeys are allowed to strike their horse six times during a race; Alvarado used the whip on Sovereignty eight times. It was his second such offense in the last 180 days, meaning his fine was doubled to $62,000 – 20% of his winnings from the Kentucky Derby. Alvarado was also banned for two Kentucky racing days, on 29 and 30 May.
