Several jockeys face suspensions this month

ARCADIA, Calif. – Jockeys Drayden Van Dyke, Martin Pedroza, Fernando Perez, and Felipe Valdez face suspensions in the coming days for riding infractions earlier this month, according to recent rulings published by track stewards.

Van Dyke is suspended for Sunday for having four infractions of excessive use of the whip since tougher rules went into place July 1. In California, riders are not allowed to strike a horse more than three times in succession without giving their mounts a chance to respond. Van Dyke was cited for his ride on winner Sweet as a Rose in the sixth race last Sunday.

Pedroza has been suspended three days – Sunday and Oct. 22-23 – after Flexible Ethics was disqualified from first to fifth for causing interference in the second race last Sunday.

Perez has been suspended three days – Saturday, Sunday, and Oct. 22 – after Our First Girl was disqualified from second to seventh for causing interference in the second race last Saturday.

Valdez is suspended for Friday for his fourth violation of the whip rule. Valdez was cited for his ride on runner-up Out Ofthe Ordinary in the fourth race Oct. 8.