Paco Lopez suspended six months for whip violations

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority has suspended jockey Paco Lopez for six months after ruling that Lopez violated the terms of his conditional reinstatement when he was recently penalized for a whip violation during his ride in the Forego Stakes on Aug. 23 at Saratoga.

Lopez was issued an indefinite suspension by HISA in December of last year when he struck a horse across the neck with his whip while galloping to the winner’s circle after a race at Parx racetrack outside of Philadelphia. In January, he reached an agreement with HISA requiring him to participate in therapy sessions as a condition of being reinstated.

Drew Mollica, an attorney for Lopez – the leading rider in North America by wins this year – said that he filed an appeal of the decision and a request for an immediate stay with the HISA board on Tuesday. Mollica said that HISA’s rationale for the suspension – a violation of the previous agreement for his reinstatement – was erroneous.

“Our position is clear and it is unequivocal,” Mollica said. “Paco Lopez did not breach that agreement, not one iota. We’re going to fight this vigorously and use every option we have legally."

The agreed-upon order, which is available on HISA’s website, states that Lopez will receive an “immediate and automatic” six-month suspension if the jockey “commits another violation of HISA rules that involves conduct similar to the conduct at issue within the notice.” The order deals specifically with the December post-race whipping incident at Parx.

The order is signed by Mollica and Lopez, along with two HISA officials.

In the Forego, Lopez raised his whip above his helmet while riding Book’em Danno to a one-length win. He had previously been cited for the same infraction at least three times in the fall of 2024 while riding at Parx.

“HISA remains committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and integrity in horse racing,” HISA said in a statement accompanying the announcement of the suspension. “We take any behavior that undermines the trust of participants and fans with the utmost seriousness. By enforcing rules consistently, we aim to promote fairness in the adjudication process, protect both horses and riders, and preserve confidence in the integrity of the sport.”

This year, Lopez has won 300 races on 1,194 mounts, 58 more than second-leading rider Jose Ortiz. Lopez’s mounts have earned $12.4 million in purses.

Lopez won a record seventh consecutive riding title, and 12th overall, at Monmouth Park this summer. He also was the leading rider at Colonial Downs meet.

Lopez has ridden Book’em Danno to victories in the Grade 1 Forego, Grade 2 Alfred G. Vanderbilt, and Grade 3 True North Stakes this year.

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