Jockeys Band Together at Belmont Park to Protest ‘Severe’ Suspension Handed to Apprentice Rider for Repeat Offense

In a show of equestrian solidarity, jockeys at Belmont Park came together to protest the suspension handed to apprentice rider Jaime Torres for a repeat offense of careless riding during a race. The suspension, which lasted for 14 days, was imposed on Torres and his mount Wonder Girl after they were demoted to second place in a recent race and were suspended as well.

The decision has sparked controversy among riders, leading to appeals and a request for a meeting with stewards to reconsider the penalty. This suspension has garnered all the support from fellow jockeys, and Torres’ was also suspended in April under the same circumstances and had to stay away from the races for a while.

Jockeys Rally Against Severe Suspension

The jockeys at Belmont Park joined forces to express their disagreement with the “severe” suspension handed to Jaime Torres, as reported by the horse racing nation. The apprentice rider was penalized for his involvement in an incident of careless riding during a seven furlong race. Despite finishing first, Torres and his mount, Wonder Girl, were demoted to second place, raising concerns among the jockey community.

Braulio Braeza Jr., steward of the New York State Gaming Commission, refrained from commenting on the severity of the punishment as he said Torres is appealing the suspension and henceforth he cannot comment on that, leaving many questions unanswered.

A Repeat Offense in the Equestrian Arena and Supportive Jockeys

This suspension is not the first time Jaime Torres has faced consequences for careless riding; he has been in similar situations in the past as well. In April, he was suspended for 14 days following a similar incident at Aqueduct. During that race, Torres’ mount, Central Speed, veered, causing a spill that resulted in injuries to fellow jockeys Jose Lezcano and Manny Franco. Lezcano suffered a hand fracture, sidelining him from the sport for six weeks.

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Despite the repeated offenses, Torres has garnered support from his fellow jockeys, including John Velazquez, the career earnings leader and Jockeys Guild chairman. Together, they have requested a meeting with stewards to discuss the suspension and potentially reconsider its duration.

While Torres has faced previous suspensions for similar offenses, his colleagues have rallied to show their support and call for a review of the punishment. As the discussion continues, the equestrian community awaits further developments in this ongoing saga of suspension.

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