Santa Anita
Velazquez suspended three days for ride in Santa Anita maiden race
Justin N. Lane John Velazquez
ARCADIA, Calif. – Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez has been suspended three racing days for causing interference that led to the disqualification of his mount in Saturday’s 11th race at Santa Anita.
Velazquez, 49, was cited for his ride on Following Sea, who bumped with Mr. Impossible on the backstretch of a maiden special weight race at six furlongs. Following Sea and Mr. Impossible finished second and third behind Defunded. Following Sea, the 9-10 favorite, was demoted from second to third after an inquiry.
Velazquez’s penalty covers racing days on March 14 and 19-20. Velazquez rode at Santa Anita from Friday through Sunday, and has ridden primarily at Gulfstream Park in recent weeks.