Alvarado banned and fined $62,000 for overuse of whip in Kentucky Derby win

Junior Alvarado, the jockey who rode Sovereignty to victory at the Kentucky Derby, faces a fine and a ban for violating whip usage rules. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) imposed a $62,000 fine—20% of Alvarado's winnings—after determining he struck his horse eight times, exceeding the permissible limit of six. This marks Alvarado's second offense in recent months, resulting in an increased penalty and a two-day suspension. Sovereignty will not race in the upcoming Preakness Stakes, part of the Triple Crown series.

Junior Alvarado's violation of whip rules at the Kentucky Derby has led to a significant fine and a short-term suspension, highlighting increased scrutiny in horse racing.

Despite a dazzling victory with Sovereignty at the Derby, Alvarado's penalty underscores the urgency for jockeys to adhere to HISA's strict regulations on whip usage.

Read at www.theguardian.com