Alvarado struck Sovereignty eight times during the Derby, two more than the maximum permitted by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority regulations, according to the Kentucky stewards’ announcement of the penalties on Friday, May 9. Given that the winner will receive $3.1 million of the $5 million reward from the Derby, the penalties is substantial. Alvarado received $310,000 as his portion of the winnings. According to HISA regulations, a jockey who exceeds the six-strike limit by one to three strikes faces a $250 fine or 10% of their purse earnings, whichever is higher, as well as a one-day ban. However, the penalties are doubled for a second infraction within 180 days. At Churchill Downs, Alvarado had previously violated the rules on December 1. The suspension will last until May 29-30.
Alvarado’s agent, Mike Silletto, stated that the decision is being appealed. After watching race recordings following the 151st Derby on May 3, Alvarado admitted to BloodHorse that he felt he had gone too far. Alvarado remarked, “I couldn’t keep track of that.” “You have a lot on your mind because it’s such a big race.” I was immediately behind the favorite (Journalism) when the extra whip occurred, so I had to take care of my immediate needs. I saw that I went over after (viewing a replay), but I didn’t have time to consider that. All I wanted was to win America’s biggest race. HISA regulations would have required Sovereignty if Alvarado had utilized the harvest ten times to be disqualified.
