Jockey Sonny Leon has been suspended for 15 days by Churchill Downs‘October 2 board for relying on his mount Rich Strike for the last sixteen miles in Lukas Classic Stakes (G2) and deliberately obstructing an opponent Hot Rod Charlie and racer Tyler Gaffalione.
Leon’s agent Bryce Soth said the rider would not appeal the decision, although Leon did speak after the race and continued to insist he was trying to keep his balance because his saddle had slipped. Hot Rod Charlie won with a short head in an intense battle against this year’s Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1).
Soth said: “There’s no appeal. We’ll work it out the way it is.” “Unfortunately.”
Hot Rod Charlie took the lead in the 1/8 mile race on October 1 at the beginning of the stretch where he overcame the pacesetter Art collector . In the middle of the match, Rich Strike headed first, but Hot Rod Charlie rushed in, and both were leaning towards the ropes.
According to Soth, the decision to suspend Leon was made after the managers reviewed the races on Monday morning. Leon is traveling and cannot attend the assessment. He will be suspended through October 29 for “deliberately obstructing and impeding his opponent’s progress by repeatedly making physical contact with another driver on the ramp”, according to the ruling. .
