Following a provisional suspension from the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, jockey Paco Lopez has decided to take time away from racing.
“I have decided to take time away from racing and, in the path of several of my fellow riders, seek appropriate counseling and work on myself,” Lopez stated in a Dec. 5 post on X.
Lopez came under fire Dec. 3 after Parx Racing cameras caught him using his crop to strike 2-year-old National Law in the head/neck area while slowing to a walk after a gallop-out. The colt had just finished winning a one-mile-and-70-yard maiden special weight while racing erratically in the stretch, nearly running into the outside railing.
KING: HISA Provisionally Suspends Lopez for Postrace Strike
Lopez said he saw the discourse on social media as industry members were outraged by his actions, causing him to take time to reflect.
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“I take full responsibility for my actions,” Lopez said in the post. “I am aware that our sport is under a lot of scrutiny and I fully apologize to everyone involved in our sport—fans, horsemen, management, racing commissions, HISA and of course, National Law.
“My actions were reactionary, in the heat of the moment, and I am truly sorry.”
Lopez was booked to ride five horses Dec. 7 at Jamaica’s Caymanas Park for their Mouttet Mile card. Cory Moran, Lopez’s agent, told BloodHorse Thursday that Lopez will not be riding Saturday.
