Arroyo to appeal three-day suspension
ARCADIA, Calif. – Jockey Norberto Arroyo Jr., second in the jockey standings at the Santa Anita autumn meeting through Monday, has been suspended three days for causing interference in the first race on Sunday.
The suspension is scheduled for Sunday and the following Thursday and Friday, but Arroyo’s brother and agent, Nelson, said on Monday that he plans to launch an appeal.
Through Monday, Flavien Prat led all riders with 10 wins, one more than Arroyo.
Arroyo was cited for his ride on Woot Woot in a starter-optional claimer at six furlongs, which he won as the 8-5 favorite. Woot Woot broke from the outside and moved toward the rail in the opening quarter-mile, causing a bumping incident between So Heres the Thing and Chocolate Goddess, who finished a respective fourth and last in the eight-horse field.
Rito Almanza, who rode So Heres the Thing, lodged an objection against Woot Woot, which was disallowed by track stewards.
Woot Woot is trained by Peter Miller, who after the race was involved in a heated discussion with Gary Stevens, who rode third-place finisher Holy Mosey. The two had to be separated by security and other track personnel. Steward Grant Baker said on Monday that California Horse Racing Board investigators were looking into the actions of Miller and Stevens.