The trainer of a winning horse who was struck in the face by its jockey has apologised for initially defending the jockey’s actions.
Paco Lopez, the jockey in question, was provisionally suspended after hitting National Law with his whip during a race at Parx Racecourse on Tuesday.
Jorge Duarte Jr., the trainer of the two-year-old colt, initially praised Lopez, saying, “Paco was outstanding keeping the horse safe,” and urged people to “focus on things that matter.”
However, he has since issued an apology as the incident is being investigated by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA).
National Law veered across the track in the final stages but still managed to secure first place.
Following the race, Duarte Jr. released a further statement on the X account of his Colts Neck Stable, acknowledging his mistake in defending Lopez.
“I’d like to sincerely apologise for publicly defending the actions of Paco Lopez,” Duarte Jr. wrote.
“National Law drifted to the outside rail coming down the stretch, and Paco Lopez did an excellent job managing to keep the horse from jumping the rail, potentially injuring himself as well as the horse.
“After crossing the wire, Paco Lopez pulled up National Law and felt as if the horse was going to carry on with his green antics.
He then struck the horse on the neck/face region, which is egregious and uncalled for.
“I am not a perfect human and I regretfully let my emotions control the moment and took to social media to defend Paco Lopez’s actions, which I have since deleted.
There is never a place to take anger and frustration out on any animal.”
The incident during race five at the Pennsylvania venue sparked widespread outrage.
Billionaire horse owner Mike Repole condemned Lopez’s actions as “totally unacceptable, inexcusable, and reprehensible.”
In response, Repole removed Lopez from a booking to ride Battle Drum at Gulfstream Park on Saturday.
Lopez is already barred from competing at tracks governed by HISA regulations.
A HISA spokesperson commented, “Our mission is to uphold the highest standards of safety and integrity in horse racing.
We take any abuse or behaviour that undermines the trust placed in our sport by its participants and fans with the utmost seriousness.
The provisional suspension will proceed under an expedited timeline through HISA’s adjudication process.”
