Gaffalione suspended through Kentucky Oaks Day

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Tyler Gaffalione, the leading jockey at the 2018 fall meets at Keeneland and Churchill, is serving a three-day suspension through Kentucky Oaks Day stemming from a riding infraction in the final race April 20 at Keeneland.

Gaffalione’s agent, Matt Muzikar, said the options posed to him by the Kentucky stewards were to accept the three days or be given five days of the stewards’ choice if a formal appeal was denied.

Gaffalione had been scheduled to ride Serengeti Empress for trainer Tom Amoss in the Oaks in case Dunbar Road drew into the race, with Jose Ortiz (on a double call) opting for Dunbar Road. Amoss said Wednesday he had yet to formulate a new backup plan.

“How about we just hope everyone stays healthy,” he said.

Gaffalione returns Saturday and rides War of Will in the Derby.