Hernandez fined, suspended for Thorpedo Anna ride

Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. was fined $1,250 and will serve a one-day suspension issued by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority for using his crop more than six times on Thorpedo Anna in last Saturday’s Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga.

Hernandez used his whip seven times, according to a ruling issued by HISA and signed by Victor Escobar, the New York Racing Association steward. Rules instituted by HISA in 2023 limit to six the number of times a jockey may strike a horse with a crop.

Hernandez will serve his suspension on Labor Day.

Thorpedo Anna, two lengths behind Fierceness at the eighth pole, came within a head of that rival at the wire. Thorpedo Anna, the leading 3-year-old filly in the country, was attempting to become the first filly in 109 years to win the Travers.

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“The crazy thing is the stewards called up and said ‘That was a great ride, unfortunately you hit her seven times,’ ” Hernandez said. “I’m gaining to make history in the Travers and every time I slapped her she responded.”

Hernandez will be back in Saratoga on Sunday to ride Pyrenees in the $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup.

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