Jockey Couton charged with spousal abuse

ARCADIA, Calif. – Jockey Julien Couton was suspended indefinitely by Santa Anita stewards on Sunday after failing to appear at a hearing that morning regarding his recent arrest on felony charges of spousal abuse in Pasadena, Calif.

The arrest took place in recent weeks, according to a California Horse Racing Board investigator.

Couton, 33, was suspended for failing to appear at the hearing, for conduct detrimental to horse racing, and for violating rules that are grounds for suspension or revocation. He is not allowed on racetrack grounds during the suspension.

Couton has won stakes at Emerald Downs, Golden Gate Fields, Santa Rosa, and Turf Paradise. This year, he has nine wins from 150 mounts, and he has won 314 races in the United States.

Couton was represented by Craig Haines, who said on Tuesday that he is no longer associated with the jockey.