Jockey John Hiraldo, who was immediately suspended on July 5, was “lifted” by the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission on July 7.
Hiraldo had a hearing before Delaware Park manager on Friday of a positive test result for amphetamine. During that hearing, a follow-up test provided by a committee-approved laboratory reported a negative test result for amphetamine. The initial positive result came from a random test for Hiraldo.
Both the initial summary suspension and the lifting of the suspension are posted on the website of the International Association of Racing Commissioners.
Debuting in 2020, Hiraldo has a record of 140-143-171 from 1,293 career starts and $4,252,790 in career earnings. This year, Hiraldo is 12-11-12 from 129 starting with earnings of $344,422.
Hiraldo had his most success on Chief Ron One Super savings gelding, for whom he made $114,509. They have been paired together in 14 of Chief Ron’s 23 starts. Most recently, they paired up on July 1 to finish third in the Alapocas Run Stakes at Delaware Park. July 1 was also the last day Hiraldo rode. He’s scheduled to hit the irons on July 15 with five rides at Delaware Park.
The Puerto Rican native was a finalist for the 2021 Eclipse Award for Outstanding Equestrian Apprentice. His first win came on New Year’s Eve 2020 at Laurel Park on a long train Fixed rate .
