Derby-Winning Jockey Fined, Suspended for Excessive Crop Use
Junior Alvarado, jockey of Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty, was fined $62,000 by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) for exceeding the permitted number of riding crop strikes during the race. This constituted a Class 3 violation, doubled due to a prior offense within the past 180 days. Alvarado was also suspended for two Kentucky racing days. The fine represents 10% of his winnings, doubled in accordance with HISA’s escalating penalty structure. Alvarado has 30 days to pay the fine and can appeal the ruling.
John Q. Hosedrinker