Jockeys Espinoza, Locke, and Puglisi suspended

ARCADIA, Calif. – Jockeys Assael Espinoza, Tony Locke, and Iggy Puglisi have received suspensions for recent riding infractions at Santa Anita.

Espinoza is suspended on Sunday and Feb. 6 for his ride on Fort Lodge in the eighth race on Jan. 20. Espinoza, 20, was cited for excessive use of the whip “when the horse obtained its maximum placing,” according to a ruling issued Sunday.

Fort Lodge finished seventh of eight in a maiden claimer, 12 1/2 lengths behind winner Derby Storm.

Puglisi, 45, is suspended on Saturday and Sunday for the same infraction on Heartfullofstars, who finished eight of nine, beaten 8 3/4 lengths by race winner Dreams of Valor in a $50,000 claimer on Jan. 24.

Locke, 60, was suspended 10 racing days – from Sunday through Feb. 21 – for altering course without clearance on Grey Tsunami in the second race on Jan. 25. The incident caused jockey Jorge Velez to be unseated from Swingn It after his mount clipped heels. Grey Tsunami finished fourth, and was disqualified and listed as unplaced.

Velez was not injured in the incident.