NEW YORK (AP) — Jockey Rajiv Maragh will serve a seven day suspension for careless riding in the Belmont Stakes.
The incident occurred at the start of the race last Saturday when his mount, Isn’t He Perfect, came into the path of Mucho Macho Man. He in turn put Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom in a tight spot, forcing him to stumble badly and lose all chance in the race.
Animal Kingdom’s jockey, John Velazquez, managed to remain on his horse and finished sixth in the race. Isn’t He Perfect finished last.
The Belmont stewards handed down the penalty Wednesday. Maragh was given a 10-day suspension that was reduced three days when he waived his right of appeal. The suspension starts Sunday.
