Kuntzweiler pleads guilty

Former jockey Greta Kuntzweiler agreed to a 10-year prison sentence when pleading guilty Tuesday to drug charges in Jefferson Circuit Court in Louisville, Ky., with formal sentencing set for Aug. 3.

Kuntzweiler, 31, was arrested three times in Louisville in 2006, most recently in November, on various charges related to methamphetamine manufacturing and possession. Kuntzweiler has filed a formal request with the trial judge that her jail time be reduced, according to a person close to Kuntzweiler, who said there is a possibility that she will be allowed to have much, if not all, of the sentence suspended and be placed on probation.

Kuntzweiler, who has not ridden since 2005, rode primarily in Kentucky since starting her career in 1999. She was the leading rider at the 2002 winter-spring meet at Turfway Park, with her career highlight being a victory in the 2004 Hawthorne Gold Cup aboard Freefourinternet.

Also Tuesday, Bryan Beccia, a longtime exercise rider who competed sparingly as a jockey, was sentenced to 25 years on drug charges related to Kuntzweiler's case. Beccia, 42, could be released on parole in five years. He also will be formally sentenced on Aug. 3.