Espinoza's whip use on American Pharoah under scrutiny

Chief steward Barbara Borden said Wednesday that the Churchill Downs stewards intend to further scrutinize replays of the Kentucky Derby in response to questions about jockey Victor Espinoza having used his whip 32 times in urging American Pharoah to victory.

Whereas some other states have rules that limit the number of times the whip can be used, “there is not a maximum number” in Kentucky, said Borden. “Obviously, overt abuse would be something that would constitute us considering action, but clearly this is a discretionary issue.”

Following the implementation of new equipment standards in Kentucky several years ago, whips now used by jockeys in Kentucky are much softer – and less punitive for horses – than they once were.

Santana permitted to ride

Ricardo Santana Jr. is riding this week at Churchill while a three-day suspension for a riding infraction is under appeal. Santana, the leading jockey at Oaklawn Park in each of the last three years, was penalized for his ride aboard Another Trick, who was disqualified from first to second in a $5,000 claiming race April 28.

Also, the stewards on Thursday were scheduled to review the stretch run in the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic that resulted in the disqualification of Sky Captain from second to fourth to determine whether jockey Shaun Bridgmohan will be issued a suspension.