Berrios, Escobedo suspended for whip violations

Jockeys Hector Berrios and Adrian Escobedo will be suspended from full participation for Saturday’s program at Los Alamitos after being cited for excessive use of the whip in races at that track on Sept. 15.

Both riders were fined $250 for striking their mounts seven times, one more than the allowed limit.

Escobedo is not booked to ride Saturday. Berrios is scheduled to ride Yuki in the $125,000 Dark Mirage Stakes, which is designated as exempt from routine suspensions.

Escobedo was cited for his ride Bluegrass Ryder, who finished second as the 6-5 favorite in a $20,000 claimer for maidens. Berrios was penalized for his ride on The Key Is Unity, who finished third as the 4-5 favorite in a starter allowance.

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