Jockey Fresu Suspended 32 Days for Whip Violations

Jockey Antonio Fresu has been suspended for a total of 32 days and fined $1,242 following three penalties handed down over the last four days for his excessive use of a riding crop. The severity of the suspension is a result of Fresu accumulating 18 violation points in the last six months. 

The most recent punishment came Sept. 4, when Fresu was given 15 days for reaching the 18-point threshold. He received seven days on Sept. 1 for accumulating 15 violation points in the last six months and initially received seven days Aug. 31 for having 12 violation points. 

Fresu also was given three one-day penalties and monetary fines for each instance: Aug. 27 aboard Sanger  in the seventh race at Del Mar ($252); Aug. 31 while on Trouville  in the fourth race at Del Mar ($498), and Sept. 2 while riding Lunar Impact  in the first race at Del Mar ($492).

The 32 days are to be served as calendar days, not racing days, and will run through Oct. 9. However, citing CHRB rule No. 1766, Fresu is not prohibited from riding in designated races during the first two seven-day suspensions. Graded stakes at Del Mar and Santa Anita Park as well as any stakes at Los Alamitos would qualify as designated stakes. During the final 15 days of suspension, he will not be able to participate in such races.