Hastings jockey bolts, is banned

The Hastings stewards suspended jockey Pedro Alvarado indefinitely Monday pending an investigation into his actions during a bizarre incident before the start of the sixth race on Sunday.

As the horses were being loaded into the gate, Alvarado, who was aboard Louder, got off of his mount and exited the track through a gap in the outer fence that leads to where the track maintenance equipment is stored. It was not clear why Alvarado left the track or where he went, and he was taken off of his remaining mounts Sunday.

The stewards met with Alvarado Monday morning and ruled he will not be allowed to ride until the investigation is completed.

Neither the stewards nor management at Hastings would comment on the incident because of the ongoing investigation. Alvarado was not available for comment. His agent, Paul Mabbot, refused to discuss the incident.

Louder was scratched. Alvarado, the leading rider here for four of the last five years, is third in the standings this meet.