Chapa appeals riding suspension

Jockey Roman Chapa on Friday appealed a summary suspension the Sam Houston Race Park board of stewards levied against him pending an investigation into his ride in last Saturday night’s ninth race, the $50,000 Richard King Handicap, which he won aboard Quiet Acceleration.

The ride is being investigated after a photo of the finish of the race shows what may be a foreign object in Chapa’s hand.

Chapa has been off his mounts since Monday. The appeal is set to be heard by the stewards Feb. 9, said David Rollinson, a steward at Sam Houston.

Chapa was interviewed Monday at Sam Houston as part of the investigation, according to the Sam Houston stewards. At the time of his suspension, he was the leading rider at the meet, which opened Jan. 16. Chapa is currently tied for second in the standings with a 5-for-7 record.