Paco Lopez suspended 14 days for ride in Fountain of Youth

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. - The Gulfstream Park stewards announced Wednesday that jockey Paco Lopez has been suspended 14 racing days for “careless riding” aboard In Due Time during Saturday’s Fountain of Youth Stakes. In Due Time finished second behind Simplification in the Grade 2 race.

The stewards said they’ve also placed Lopez on probation through the remainder of the Championship Meet, which ends on April 3.

:: For the first time ever, our premium past performances are free! Get free Formulator now!

Stephen DiMauro, the association steward, added that details were still being worked out as to when Lopez would begin serving his days.

Gulfstream Park officials also announced that additional cameras would be installed soon to provide better views of each race on the dirt, turf and Tapeta tracks.

In Due Time was behind horses while in close contention on the second turn of the 1 1/16-mile Fountain of Youth when he came out slightly under Lopez to bump A. P.’s Secret, who in turn bumped High Oak

High Oak clipped the heels of Emmanuel and fell, unseating his jockey, Junior Alvarado. Galt, racing near the rear of the field, was unable to avoid his fallen stablemate High Oak, and lost his rider, Joel Rosario.

Following an inquiry, the stewards made no change in the result of the race.

Alvarado suffered a sprained ankle due to the fall and has not ridden since. Rosario reported pain in his back and took off all his scheduled mounts the following day at Oaklawn Park.

Lopez was given a 30-day suspension by the Gulfstream Park stewards for his role in a two-horse spill here on Jan. 31, 2019 that injured two jockeys, including Romero Maragh, who underwent spinal surgery the following day. When announcing the ruling in 2019, DiMauro said the suspension was lengthened due to multiple occurrences of Lopez “being either reprimanded, fined or suspended.”