Jockey John Hiraldo, who was summarily suspended July 5, had that designation “lifted” by the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission July 7.
Hiraldo had a hearing before Delaware Park stewards Friday for what was a positive test for amphetamine. During that hearing, a follow-up test provided by a lab approved by the commission reported a negative drug test for amphetamine. The initial positive test came from a random test administered to Hiraldo.
Both the initial summary suspension and the lifting of the suspension were posted on the Association of Racing Commissioners International website.
Debuting in 2020, Hiraldo has a record of 140-143-171 from 1,293 career starts and $4,252,790 in career earnings. This year, Hiraldo is 12-11-12 from 129 starts with $344,422 in earnings.
Hiraldo has had his most success on Chief Ron , a Super Saver gelding, on whom he has earned $114,509. They have been paired together in 14 of Chief Ron’s 23 starts. They most recently paired July 1 to finish third in the Alapocas Run Stakes at Delaware Park. July 1 is also the last date that Hiraldo has ridden. He is next slated to be in the irons July 15 with five rides at Delaware Park.
The native of Puerto Rico was a 2021 Eclipse Award finalist for outstanding apprentice jockey. His first victory came on New Year’s Eve 2020 at Laurel Park aboard longshot Flat Rate .
