Two riders get three-day suspensions after rare double DQ

DEL MAR, Calif. -- A rare double disqualification in race 7 at Del Mar on Friday resulted in three-day careless-riding suspensions for two jockeys, Brice Blanc and Tiago Pereira, whose horses were taken down in that grass race.

Del Mar’s stewards on Saturday ruled that both Blanc and Pereira would sit out Aug. 15, 16, and 21 for their actions.

Blanc was aboard Goodtingscominpink, who finished second but was moved back to third after coming out and slamming into Zucchera as both narrowly fell short of catching the victorious Solitaire.

Shortly before that incident, and just behind and inside that trio, Lavender, ridden by Pereira, shifted in and smacked into Danceformunny with such force that Danceformunny was briefly sent into the gap where the infield chute connects with the main course. Lavender originally finished fourth but was moved back to seventh, where Danceformunny crossed the line.

Also Saturday, stewards handed apprentice Alexis Centeno a three-day suspension, encompassing the same three days, for careless riding aboard Blackout, who finished sixth in race 5 on Friday.