Juarez will not appeal suspension from Wood Memorial

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Jockey Nik Juarez informed New York stewards on Thursday that he will not appeal the suspension handed him for careless riding in Saturday’s Wood Memorial. Thus, the suspension will be reduced from 15 days to 10. Juarez, who was also fined $2,500, will serve the days from April 23 through May 2. Since he rides at Gulfstream, Juarez will be missing only five racing days.

The stewards did deny a request from Juarez to ride a stakes at Gulfstream on April 27 in exchange for serving an additional day.

Juarez is expected to be at Churchill Downs on May 4 to ride the maiden Bodexpress, the Florida Derby runner-up, in the Kentucky Derby.

In the Wood, Juarez was aboard Joevia, who had the outside post in the 11-horse Wood field. Juarez tried to maneuver his horse inside, and he compromised several horses. Joevia eventually finished seventh but was disqualified by the stewards.

Juarez isn’t the only jockey serving days.

Reylu Gutierrez, having withdrawn an appeal of a careless riding suspension dating back to Feb. 22, will serve a five-day suspension beginning Saturday. He will be eligible to ride on April 20, closing day of the Aqueduct meet.

Luis Reyes, having withdrawn his appeal of a suspension dating back to Feb. 3, will serve five days beginning Sunday and continuing through the final four days of the meet.

Following Sunday’s card, there are four days remaining at Aqueduct – Wednesday through Saturday. There is no racing at Aqueduct on Easter Sunday.

Racing moves to Belmont Park on April 26 for a 48-day meet.