Raul Mena gets 15-day suspension for role in Tampa spill

OLDSMAR, Fla. - Raul Mena has started a suspension of 15 calendar days in the wake of a recent spill in which fellow jockey Jose Batista suffered a neck fracture.

Mena was aboard Enduring Honor when his mount shifted into the path of Malio’s, ridden by Batista, shortly after the start of the sixth race here Feb. 2 at a mile and 40 yards. Batista was badly dazed and unable to get to his feet, leading the race to be declared a no-contest.

Mena has 13 wins at this meet. He will be permitted to return to action Feb. 22.

:: To stay up to date, follow us on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

* Gouverneur Morris, arguably the top Kentucky Derby candidate from the Todd Pletcher stable, will make his 3-year-old debut here Friday in race 6, a first-level allowance at a mile and 40 yards. Untitled is among his four opponents.

* Stakes action at Tampa continues Saturday with a pair of six-furlong races. Those are the $75,000 Pelican, for older horses, and the $50,000 Minaret, its filly-mare counterpart.

* Another four-day race week begins Wednesday with a nine-race card highlighted by a $22,000 turf-sprint allowance (race 7). First post is 12:40 p.m. Eastern.