The jockey who rode Sovereignty to victory at the Kentucky Derby last week has been fined over $60,000 by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority for repeatedly striking the horse with his riding crop.
Junior Alvarado was found to have struck the horse with his riding crop “more than the permitted amount” during last week’s race, violating the authority’s rules, according to a statement released Saturday.
Alvarado was penalized on Friday for the Class 3 violation, with a fine equal to 10% of his $310,000 winnings, according to the statement. According to HISA, the fine was doubled for repeat riding crop violations within 180 days, totaling $62,000.
Alvarado was found to have struck Sovereignty eight times during the Kentucky Derby, his second offense in 180 days, according to an HISA ruling. The HISA protocol allows jockeys to strike horses up to six times during a race.
The jockey was also suspended for two Kentucky racing days, May 29 and 30, as a result of the infraction.
HISA states that riding crop penalties can be appealed through a hearing before the Internal Adjudication Panel. Alvarado did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Alvarado now has 30 days to pay his fine.
The jockey and Sovereignty won the 151st Kentucky Derby last Saturday at Churchill Downs.
Following the race, Alvarado, who grew up in Venezuela, stated that winning the Derby had been a dream of his since childhood.
The jockey suffered a shoulder injury and a fall prior to the race, but still won against the odds.
