#US RACING: THREE JOCKEYS AT SANTA ANITA SUSPENDED FOR CROP VIOLATIONS

Victor Espinoza fined US$1,500

Three jockeys were suspended for riding crop violations Saturday at Santa Anita. Jamie Spencer received five days for his ride aboard Space Traveller in the Frank E. Kilroe Mile (G1), while Edwin Maldonado and apprentice Ricardo Ramirez were issued three days each.

The punishments were first reported by the Daily Racing Form.

Spencer, who came from England to ride Saturday, will serve his days on Sunday, as well as March 18-20 and 25. Maldonado, who was punished using the crop overhand during his ride on See Through It in the first race on Saturday, will serve Sunday and March 18-19.

Ramirez was suspended for a ride on Mylittlerunaway in the third race. According to the stewards ruling, the apprentice did not make the proper effort to maintain a straight course, causing interference.

In addition to the suspensions, Victor Espinoza was among three jockeys who were fined for crop violations on Saturday. Espinoza was handed a US$1,500 penalty for using the crop more than six times during his winning ride on Express Train in the Santa Anita Handicap.

According to the stewards ruling it was Espinoza’s second offense in 60 days.

Ricardo Gonzalez and Brice Blanc also were fined for excessive crop use. Gonzalez was dinged for $1,500 and Blanc US$500.

The stewards’ rulings showed no indication that any of the jockeys appealed their punishments.