Vazquez's 90-day suspension upheld

The Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission voted unanimously to uphold a 90-day suspension meted out to leading trainer Juan Vazquez for an altercation at Delaware Park, where he allegedly punched jockey Trevor McCarthy, officials for the commission said Wednesday.

Vazquez, who currently is leading the Delaware Park trainer standings by a wide margin, was suspended for 90 days by Delaware stewards shortly after the altercation occurred June 23, but he received a stay as a result of his appeal of the ruling. The commission’s order to start the suspension will be issued prior to the commission’s next meeting, Nov. 13, according to John Wayne, the executive director of the commission.

Vazquez also was fined $2,500 and ordered to attend anger-management classes.

Through Oct. 7, Vazquez has 43 winners from 198 starters at Delaware, which closes Oct. 22. Scott Lake is second in the standings with 29 winners from 109 starters.

Under reciprocity rules, Vazquez’s suspension will be recognized by other racing states. His initial appeal in front of the racing commission was scheduled for Aug. 13, but his attorneys were granted delays in order to prepare for the hearing.