Junior Alvarado Suspended for Kentucky Derby Crop Violation

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jockey Junior Alvarado has been suspended for two days and fined $62,000 for excessive use of his crop during his ride on Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby on May 3. The suspension comes after Alvarado struck his mount eight times, surpassing the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s (HISA) six-hit limit.

The rule, implemented in July 2022, states riders can use the crop no more than six times and must allow the horse to respond for at least two strides after two strikes. In the race, Alvarado, who has been a jockey since 2007, admitted he lost track of the number of times he encouraged Sovereignty during the intense final stretch against rival Journalism and jockey Umberto Rispoli.

After reviewing the race replay, Alvarado said, “I couldn’t keep track of that. It’s such a big race, there’s so much that you’ve got on your mind.” The jockey noted that when he used the crop the final time, Sovereignty had just taken a half-length lead at the sixteenth pole.

Rispoli, riding Journalism, reportedly used the crop six times, in compliance with HISA rules. HISA states that going 1-3 strikes over the limit results in a fine or points against the jockey’s license, while going 4-9 strikes could lead to a higher fine and a potential suspension of three days.

Alvarado’s fine amounts to $62,000 due to the excess strikes, which is 20% of what he would earn from the purse for winning the $5 million race, where the winner typically receives around 10% of the total purse. Alvarado expressed acceptance of the upcoming penalty, stating, “I’m gonna have to take the penalty that I am probably going to be handed. There’s nothing I can do.” The suspension will be served on May 29 and 30.