Albarado guilty of assault

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A Jefferson County, Ky., jury has found jockey Robby Albarado guilty of fourth-degree wanton assault of a former girlfriend in a high-profile domestic violence case that occurred Kentucky Derby week.

Albarado was accused of assaulting Carolina Martinez in late April, and arrested May 4, the day he was to ride at Churchill Downs in the Kentucky Oaks, among other races. He was suspended by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission shortly thereafter, but after obtaining a court order, he was able to resume riding, doing so at Arlington Park in June.

Beyond the $500 fine the jury recommended for the assault, the conviction could place Albarado in further legal troubles, and jeopardize his riding career.

Albarado's sentencing hearing is scheduled for Aug. 18.

This is the second time that Albarado, 38, a leading rider in Kentucky, has been charged with domestic assault. Last year he was arrested after being accused of wanton endangerment and domestic assault against his then-wife, Kimber Albarado. Albarado ultimately pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of interfering with a witness.

As a result of that incident and his guilty plea, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission required Albarado avoid any criminal charges in order to retain his license.

During the trial, Martinez alleged she suffered a shoulder injury and bruises when Albarado assaulted her in a struggle over his cell phone, which she took from him to listen to a voice mail message from another woman.