Jockey Kent Desormeaux has been suspended one day for overuse of the riding crop in the Graduation Stakes on Friday at Del Mar. Desormeaux rode Lord Prancealot to victory in that 5 1/2-furlong dirt sprint for California-bred juveniles.
In a ruling dated Saturday, stewards determined that Desormeaux used eight strikes of the crop, which is two over the limit prescribed by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. He was fined $692.50. Stewards also imposed a one-day suspension, which he will serve Saturday. This was Desormeaux's first crop violation under HISA according to both the stewards' ruling and the directory of rulings published by HISA.
Since stewards determined that Desormeaux only used two more strikes of the crop than permitted, the purse awards remain unchanged. Under HISA rules a horse is disqualified from purse earnings if the jockey strikes a horse ten or more times in a race. However, using seven to nine strikes only results in a suspension and fine for the jockey, but no purse loss or disqualification for the horse.
As the 3-1 favorite under Desormeaux, Lord Prancelot led early and dug in to win by a head. The Jeff Bonde trainee is now perfect in two lifetime starts with earnings of $120,450. That includes $71,250 from the victory in the Graduation.
Graded stakes are exempt from routine suspensions such as this one, and Desormeaux is expected to ride one race Saturday. Steve Andersen of Daily Racing Form reported that Desormeaux is booked to ride Impact Warrior in the Del Mar Oaks (G1) for trainer Phil D'Amato. Desormeaux had the call in that filly's only previous North American start, a second-place finish in a first-level allowance-optional claiming race at Del Mar on July 29.
