Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. was fined $1,250 and will serve a one-day suspension issued by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority for using his crop more than six times on Thorpedo Anna in last Saturday’s Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga.
Hernandez used his whip seven times, according to a ruling issued by HISA and signed by Victor Escobar, the New York Racing Association steward. Rules instituted by HISA in 2023 limit to six the number of times a jockey may strike a horse with a crop.
Hernandez will serve his suspension on Labor Day.
Thorpedo Anna, two lengths behind Fierceness at the eighth pole, came within a head of that rival at the wire. Thorpedo Anna, the leading 3-year-old filly in the country, was attempting to become the first filly in 109 years to win the Travers.
“The crazy thing is the stewards called up and said ‘That was a great ride, unfortunately you hit her seven times,’ ” Hernandez said. “I’m gaining to make history in the Travers and every time I slapped her she responded.”
Hernandez will be back in Saratoga on Sunday to ride Pyrenees in the $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup.
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