Rose's penalty cut to 90 days

The Delaware Racing Commission agreed to reduce the suspension of jockey Jeremy Rose from six months to 90 days while also fining him $5,000 following an appeals hearing Tuesday at Delaware Park in Stanton, Del.

Rose, 29, was suspended June 25 for using his whip to strike his mount, Appeal to the City, on her left eye nearing the end of a six-furlong turf race on June 23 at Delaware. The filly did not sustain a serious injury, but aside from the six-month ban, the Delaware stewards ordered Rose to undergo anger-management counseling and pay the horse's veterinary bills.

Tuesday, following lengthy testimony and debate, the commission voted by a 3-2 margin to reduce the penalty. As part of his amended sentence, Rose agreed Tuesday to continue the anger-management sessions at least through Nov. 11, the end of the Delaware meet. Rose will be eligible to ride again Sept. 23.

Commission chairman Bernard J. Daney said in a telephone interview later Tuesday: "The majority of the commission members felt that 90 days, plus the $5,000 cash payment would be a more beneficial punishment at this time. It was kind of a compromise. We hope that this message gets through to Jeremy, that he doesn't do some of the things he's done in the past. He's a good rider, but he just gets carried away at times."

Howard Wolfendale, the trainer of Appeal to the City, issued a statement shortly after the whip incident saying that he believed Rose did not act with malice and that a six-month suspension was too severe.