Jockey Denny Velazquez suspended for electrical device and weapons charge

A leading jockey at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minn., has been suspended and denied access to the grounds after a search of his vehicle turned up a device used to shock horses and at least one gun, according to a ruling from the Minnesota State Racing Commission.

Denny Velazquez, who last rode at Canterbury on July 16, was issued the suspension and ordered to appear before the stewards for a hearing on July 30. Electrical devices used to administer shocks to horses are illegal for anyone to possess on the grounds of a racetrack, and Minnesota law and horse racing regulations prohibit the possession of weapons at a track.

Velazquez, who has 47 wins from 265 mounts this year, was also cited in the ruling for being in possession of a weapon without a permit. He was the third-leading rider at Canterbury as of the track’s last race date.

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Steve May, the executive director of the Minnesota Racing Commission, said he could not comment on details of the incident or answer questions related to why Velazquez’s vehicle was searched. He said the search happened “a few days ago.”

“This is still an ongoing investigation, and so I can’t comment until he has a hearing,” May said.

Electrical devices used on horses are commonly called “buzzers,” and they are illegal to use during both racing and training. The ruling issued to Velazquez cites a potential violation of a state law prohibiting “tampering with horses,” a felony.