It’s just what horse racing doesn’t need, a brutal display of cruelty to an animal. Paco Lopez hit the 2-year-old colt National Law on the side of the head and neck with his riding crop after a race Tuesday (Dec. 3) at Parx, touching off wave of fury on social media.
Paco Lopez.
Horseracing Under Scrutiny: Lopez Suspended Indefinitely Following Viral Incident
The inexperienced colt had taken a seven-length lead in midstretch before bearing out severely toward the outside fence. The sudden move created danger for horse and rider, who finally managed to get him under control and held on to win by 1½ lengths. Those few frightening seconds, though, created the ugly situation.
Outrage ensued once video of the incident was posted online. There were demands for a long exile from racing, even a lifetime ban. Among the comments: “completely inexcusable”, “absolutely disgusting,” “what a mean thing to do” and “I think Lopez needs some anger management classes.”
The jockey owned his transgression Thursday (Dec. 5) in this post on X:
Any comment on this? pic.twitter.com/pJvoOrcnbd
— WHO’S GOT THE ACTION? (@whosgotaction) December 3, 2024
“I take full responsibility for my actions. I am aware that our sport is under a lot of scrutiny and I fully apologize to everyone involved in our sport … My actions were reactionary, in the heat of the moment, and I am truly sorry.
“I have seen the many social media postings, which have led me to reflect on the situation. I have decided to take time away from racing … seek appropriate counseling and work on myself.”
Lopez had little choice in the matter because on Thursday the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) suspended him indefinitely, effective immediately. HISA had issued an indefinite suspension provisionally on Wednesday.
Lopez’s History of Suspensions Raises Questions About Horse Racing Safety
HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus said after speaking with Lopez’s “representatives” that the rider agreed to make “meaningful” contributions to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund and to Second Call, a New Jersey horse aftercare organization.
Lazarus said: “Once HISA is satisfied Lopez has dealt with his issues and is ready to commit himself to prioritizing horse welfare and the safety of his fellow jockeys, we will discuss his eventual return to racing.”
Fatal breakdowns, including some on national television, fouled American racing’s reputation in recent years and eroded public confidence in it. Lopez made the situation worse.
Lopez, a veteran jockey with more than 4,000 victories, has always been an aggressive rider. He’s had quite a few suspensions, including at least seven for overuse of the whip. There was a 14-day ban in 2022 for careless riding and another for 30 days last year for failing to ride hard to the finish and blowing second place in a stakes at Parx.
Lopez, 39, is a nationally prominent rider with numerous titles at Monmouth Park and Parx. He has 4,038 career wins, and his 259 victories this year are second to Irad Ortiz, Jr.
“It cannot be overstated how much I love horses and this industry,’’ Lopez posted. “Horse racing has been my whole life and I look forward to a return in the near future.”
At least he said all the right things.