20/06/2026
WHIP-RULE BREACH 🚨🏇
American jockey Junior Alvarado has been handed a three-day suspension and fined $3,000 after exceeding the permitted crop-use limit aboard Chief Wallabee in the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga on June 6.
According to the stewards’ ruling, Alvarado struck Chief Wallabee eight times during the race, two over the six-strike limit, while finishing fourth in the prestigious Grade 1 contest.
Under HISA regulations, riders who exceed the crop-use limit face fines and suspensions, with penalties increasing for repeat offenses. As this marked Alvarado’s third whip-rule violation within a 180-day period, the sanctions were escalated beyond the standard penalty.
The suspension is set to be served on June 21, 25, and 26, adding another chapter to the ongoing enforcement of whip-use regulations in American horse racing. 🏇🚨