Jockey Suspended For Beating

(HOT SPRINGS)  A jockey has been suspended 60 days for misusing his whip on another rider at Oaklawn.

A stewards’ ruling posted Thursday on the Association of Racing Commissioners International website alleges that David Cohen “deliberately” whipped fellow jockey Edgar Morales several times during the eighth race at Oaklawn Park on April 6.

Cohen and his horse Bolita Boyz were forced wide into the stretch by Morales and No Funny Biz. The two raced side-by-side through the stretch, with Cohen whipping his mount left-handed and apparently also striking Morales. Neither horse won the race.

Morales testified he had four welts on his right thigh from Cohen’s whip. Although jockeys can be accidentally struck by a whip in a race.The ruling said other riders and valets testified they overheard a discussion in the jockeys’ room and that they considered Cohen’s admission as a deliberate action rather than being accidental.  Cohen’s suspension runs from April 27 to June 25.

About Author

Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

See author's posts