Kentucky Derby-winning jockey fined for excessive use of whip

Jockey Junior Alvarado faces a $31,000 fine and a one-day suspension for overusing his whip during Sovereignty’s victory at the 151st Kentucky Derby, violating Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) rules.

Alvarado admitted he lost track of his whip use in the heat of the moment, exceeding the six-strike limit.

Sovereignty won $3.1 million of the $5 million purse, with Alvarado’s share around $310,000.

He accepted the likely penalty but will have a chance to plead his case, The Mirror has reported.

The Derby also drew major celebrities and saw NBC’s Mike Tirico sidelined due to a nut allergy.

read more: https://www.themirror.com/sport/other-sport/sovereignty-kentucky-derby-junior-alvarado-1138057

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