The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority has penalized Brian Hernandez Jr. for his ride on a multiple Grade 1 winner. Thorpedo Anna in the $1.25 million Travers Stakes (G1) on August 24 Saratoga Racetrack.
In the ruling posted on its website, HISA fined Hernandez $1,250 and suspended him for one day. Frank Bernis, Hernandez’s agent, said it was ruled that Hernandez struck Thorpedo Anna seven times with the riding crop, even though the rules only allow six times.
Bernis said Hernandez will not appeal the ruling and will begin serving his suspension on Labor Day (Sept. 2).
After finishing fourth under Hernandez and making up ground for six furlongs, Thorpedo Anna was diverted to the inside to prepare her charge and, in one of Travers’ great finishes, she then surged ahead in the home straight to take second, just a head behind the winner Wildness in the 1 1/4 mile test, completed in 2:01.79 on a fast course.
Hernandez, the 2004 Eclipse Award-winning Apprentice Jockey of the Year, is already coming off his best year with over $12.8 million in prize money. In May he led Mystic Dan to victory in the Kentucky Derby (G1), one day after winning the Kentucky Oaks (G1) with Thorpedo Anna. This result was followed by two more Grade 1 victories over fillies. Hernandez won the 2012 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) with Fort Larned .
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