HOT SPRINGS -- The Arkansas Racing Commission handed down two three-day suspensions on Friday, including another penalty to embattled jockey Ricardo Santana Jr.
Santana, who had received a three-day suspension in March and two five-day suspensions earlier this week for incidents from last week, picked up another three-day suspension for a careless riding violation during Wednesday's card. If all four suspensions are upheld, the 23-year-old jockey from Panama will be out for the first 16 days of the 2017 meet, meaning he will not be able to ride until Feb. 3.
Santana has been Oaklawn Park's leading rider the last three years and is well on his way to winning the 2016 riding title.
Santana's latest suspension came after he allowed Risetotheoccasion to drift in and impede the progress of Superstar Leo as the horses were going into the turn in Wednesday's ninth race. Risetotheoccasion was disqualified from second to third place.
Jockey Jareth Loveberry also was given a three-day suspension to start the 2017 season. Loveberry was aboard Handsome Roy during Thursday's fourth race when he allowed his horse to drop to the inside without being clear and taking running room away from Extreme Alex. Since Extreme Alex finished ahead of Handsome Roy, there was no disqualification. Loveberry will not be able to ride at the meet Jan. 13-15.
Both Santana and Loveberry can appeal the ruling within three days to the ARC.
Santana also was involved in another incident Friday. While aboard favorite Star Canyon in the fourth race, Santana's horse bumped Zelda Can Dance while coming for home. Star Canyon won the race but was disqualified and placed second behind Zelda Can Dance.
Sports on 04/16/2016