Velazquez fined for exceeding whip limit aboard Mind Control in Cigar Mile

Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez was fined $4,017 and suspended one day for striking Mind Control seven times with his whip, one over the limit set forth by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, in winning the Grade 1, $750,000 Cigar Mile at Aqueduct on Dec. 3.

Mind Control won the Cigar Mile by a head over Get Her Number in a spirited stretch duel that also included White Abarrio, who was beaten a half-length in third.

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Velazquez, who did not appeal his penalties, will serve his one-day suspension this Saturday.

The fine is issued by New York Racing Association steward Brook Hawkins, who enacts the rules set forth by HISA.

The financial penalty is supposed to reflect 10 percent of the purse Velazquez earned for winning the race. According to a NYRA spokesman, Velazquez earned $40,017 for the victory.

The penalty also means Velazquez accrued 3 violation points, which expire after six months. Jockeys who accrue 11-15 points receive a 7-day suspension; 16-20 points, a 15-day suspension, and 20-plus points results in a 30-day suspension.

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