Torres to begin riding at Oaklawn after suspension

Jockey Cristian Torres was to begin working horses at Oaklawn Park on Thursday, according to agent Cody Autrey. The meet opens Dec. 8.

“He’ll be back here, ready to go,” Autrey said Tuesday.

Torres has a few out-of-state engagements in late November and in December. The rider has stakes mounts on the Land of Enchantment card Nov. 28 at Zia Park, the Claiming Crown card Dec. 2 at Fair Grounds, and the Springboard Mile program Dec. 15 at Remington Park.

Torres is coming to Arkansas ahead of the close of Churchill Downs – where he has been based – as he is serving a 15 calendar-day whip suspension from the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. Torres won the riding title last season at Oaklawn.

“He won races for 28 different trainers last meet,” Autrey said.

Torres also won last year’s riding title at Remington. This year, he’s won graded stakes races at Aqueduct, Churchill, Lone Star, Mountaineer, and Oaklawn.

Autrey said Harry Hernandez, who won the riding title at Canterbury, will be working horses at Oaklawn before the start of the meet. He is based at Remington, where he had a four-win day Monday.

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