Three more jockeys fined for violating new whip rule

CYPRESS, Calif. – Jockeys Cayetano Chaparro, Aaron Gryder, and Ramon Guce were fined $200 each by Los Alamitos stewards Sunday for excessive use of the whip in races Saturday.

On July 1, the California Horse Racing Board enacted tougher whip rules, stating riders could strike a horse only three times in succession before pausing to allow the horse to respond. In the first seven racing days after the rule went into effect at Los Alamitos, 10 riders were fined for 11 infractions.

In Saturday’s races, Chaparro was cited for his ride on Heavenly Trail, who finished eighth of nine in the third race. Guce was penalized for his ride on Lighthouse Legend, who finished last of six in the fourth race. Gryder was fined for his ride on Pax Tecum, who finished fifth of 10 in the ninth race.

In other rulings issued Sunday, owner Judi Partridge was order to pay trainer Kathy Walsh $53,346 owed to Walsh’s stable. The payment must be made by July 19 or Partridge risks suspension.

In recent months, stewards have issued an increasing number of financial-related rulings for delinquent payments to trainers and backstretch vendors.

Jockey Corey Nakatani was fined $500 for reporting an incorrect weight before the $200,750 Great Lady M. Stakes on Saturday. Nakatani told racing officials his weight was 119 pounds, but he weighed out before the race at 122 pounds, three pounds over the assignment.

Nakatani rode Clearly Confused, who finished seventh of eight in the Grade 2 race.