Jockeys Valdivia, Herrera suspended for accident that caused a no-contest

Jockey Jose Valdivia Jr. was suspended for 10 days and apprentice Diego Herrera for five as a result of an accident in last Sunday’s seventh race at Del Mar that eliminated seven of the 12 runners and caused the race to be declared a no-contest.

The rulings were issued Thursday by Del Mar’s stewards. On Friday morning, Valdivia’s agent, Nick Hines, said his rider would appeal the ruling. The agent for Herrera, Vince DeGregory, said they would not appeal. Herrera will miss the final five days of the meet, which closes Labor Day, Sept. 6.

Herrera was aboard Sassy Chasey, who clipped the heels of Valdivia’s mount, Katie’s Paradise, as the field neared the far turn. Sassy Chasey fell, causing a chain reaction that took out six other runners. None of the horses or riders were reported to have suffered major injuries.

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Valdivia’s suspension is set to begin Sept. 2 and run through Sept. 18.

“What can you say?” Hines said Friday. “Ultra-surprised and flabbergasted, to single Jose out when the rider who clipped heels admitted fault. They’ve made Jose out to be doubly responsible.

“The suspension is for 10 racing days, not 10 calendar days. Compare that to the Haskell,” Hines said, referring to Flavien Prat’s ride at Monmouth Park aboard Hot Rod Charlie, which resulted in Midnight Bourbon clipping heels and losing jockey Paco Lopez. “Prat got seven calendar days. So, yes, we’re going to appeal.”

Hines said attorney Bing Bush Jr., who has handled a number of appeals for riders this summer, would have the case.

Regarding Herrera, DeGregory said he “didn’t think he deserved days,” but that “we’ll take the days and be upset about it.”

◗ Tim Grande, an ontrack veterinarian in Southern California for the California Horse Racing Board, has been promoted to the job of CHRB’s chief official veterinarian for the entire state. A recent press release on the new position said Grande would work in concert with Jeff Blea, who has taken over as the equine medical director following the retirement of Rick Arthur.

– additional reporting by Jay Privman