Graham suspended three days for causing interference

DEL MAR, Calif. – Jockey James Graham has been suspended three days, Oct. 2-4, for causing interference that led to the disqualification of Melanistic in the third race Friday at Del Mar.

Melanistic finished first by a head over Enduring Erin in an optional claimer for fillies and mares at a mile. The stewards demoted Melanistic to second for drifting out in the stretch.

The suspension covers the second weekend of the Santa Anita autumn meeting but does not prevent Graham from riding in designated races or graded stakes during that time.

Graham, 36, is in his first summer of riding in Southern California, having ridden in the Midwest in past seasons.