Jockey Paco Lopez has been handed a 30-day suspension for a whip violation at Parx Racing in Pennsylvania. The ban stems from an incident on Tuesday, where Lopez was seen riding Cloud In The Wind in the opening claiming race. Despite holding a narrow lead on the home turn, Lopez repeatedly looked behind him and failed to urge his mount, allowing So Swell to pass near the finish.
Footage shows Lopez glancing over his left shoulder multiple times while riding hands and heels, as rival Yedsit Hazelwood drove So Swell along the rail to win the $10,800 prize. Fans expressed frustration on social media, with one calling the ride 'sightseeing' and another labelling it 'wild'.
The suspension comes just a month after jockey Eliseo Ruiz received a 30-day ban for a similar lack of effort at the same track. Lopez, who has over 4,400 career wins, was previously suspended for six months in 2024 for striking a horse across the face with his whip.
Despite the ban, Lopez is booked to ride Napoleon Solo in the Grade One Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park on Saturday. The race is being held at Laurel Park while Pimlico Racecourse undergoes reconstruction.
