Jockey suspended in bet probe

Jockey Roberto Perez was removed from all of his mounts Wednesday evening at Great Lakes Downs and was suspended pending the results of an investigation into Tuesday's fourth race, according to track stewards.

The investigation centers on a winning superfecta ticket worth $9,859.40 that Perez allegedly purchased Tuesday afternoon. Also under investigation, according to the stewards, is pony boy George Fiesman, who reportedly tried to cash the ticket on Tuesday evening after the races.

The racing laws of Michigan prohibit jockeys from betting, although they are allowed to to accept mutuel tickets on horses that they ride if the tickets are given to them by the respective horses' owners or trainer.

The race in question on Tuesday was a maiden special weight event for 2-year-olds that was won by Magical Powers, who paid $97.80. Perez was aboard favored A Songandapromise, who broke awkwardly and finished eighth at 3-2 odds. The performance of Magical Powers apparently is not part of the investigation.

Perez is second in the Great Lakes standings with 101 winners. He had mounts in 9 of the 10 races on Wednesday's card before being suspended.