Chapa suspended five years by Texas commission

Roman Chapa, the jockey who was summarily suspended in Texas in January for allegedly using an electrical device on a horse, has been banned for five years and fined $25,000 by the Texas Racing Commission, according to a copy of the Monday ruling provided by the commission.

The ruling charges Chapa with four violations of Texas racing rules, including unlawful influences on racing and inhumane treatment of a horse. Chapa has until Thursday at 5 p.m. Central to appeal the ruling, though he likely will remain suspended by the commission during the appeal unless a civil court intervenes.

Chapa was suspended two days after the Sam Houston Race Park track photographer posted a picture of Chapa riding Quiet Acceleration in the Jan. 17 Richard King Stakes in which the rider appears to be carrying an object in his left hand. Chapa also has been charged with a felony by Texas county prosecutors.

Chapa appeared before the commission Friday. The ruling states that during the hearing, “the preponderance of evidence indicated that Mr. Chapa did carry an electric shocking device” during the race. It is not known whether the commission has recovered the object.

This is the third time that Chapa, 43, has been suspended for using an object on a horse, and this is his second five-year suspension. The first five-year suspension, issued in New Mexico, expired in 2012.

Chapa is likely facing a de facto lifetime ban. Though the racing commission can only suspend an individual for up to five years, Chapa likely will face enormous hurdles if he serves the ban and seeks another racing license in Texas or any other racing jurisdiction.