Jockeys sanctioned for whip use, interference

DEL MAR, Calif. – Jockeys Alex Jimenez and Tyler Baze were fined $500 for excessive use of the whip, and Florent Geroux was given a three-day suspension for causing interference in a race, according to rulings issued over the weekend by Del Mar stewards.

Geroux was suspended three days for failing to maintain a straight course in the fifth race on Saturday aboard Calculator, who finished third in an optional claimer. Geroux indicated to the stewards that he planned to appeal to the California Horse Racing Board.

The suspension covers the cards Saturday, Sunday, and next Wednesday. Geroux is booked to ride Gun Runner in Sunday’s $1 million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park.

Jimenez and Baze were each cited for hitting their mounts more than three times in succession without giving the horse a chance to respond. Both were penalized for “blatant violation” of the rule by breaking it more than once in a race.

Jimenez was cited for his winning ride on Lilac Street ($72.40) in a maiden claimer at five furlongs on July 21. Baze was penalized for his ride on Distinctive B, who finished second in a $32,000 claimer on July 22.