Nakatani suspended one day for whip violation

DEL MAR, Calif. – Jockey Corey Nakatani has been suspended for one day, Oct. 2, for repeated violations of a whip abuse rule enacted in July, according to a ruling issued by Del Mar stewards Saturday.

Nakatani is the first rider in Southern California to be given a suspension for violating the rule.

Since July 1, Nakatani has been cited four times for excessive use of the whip. The new rule states a rider must not strike a horse more than three times before giving the mount a chance to respond. For the first three infractions, Nakatani was fined $200, $300, and $500, stewards said.

Nakatani, 44, will serve the one-day suspension on a Friday during the first full week of the Santa Anita autumn meeting.