Didn't know they had an amount of how many times you can use the whip on a race horse.....

[a kennedy]

Junior Alvarado, who rode Sovereignty to victory at last weekend’s Kentucky Derby, has been fined and banned for overuse of his whip during the race.

The jockey was found to have used the whip “more than the permitted amount” the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) said on Saturday. Under HISA regulations, jockeys are allowed to strike their horse six times during a race; Alvarado used the whip on Sovereignty eight times. It was his second such offense in the last 180 days, meaning his fine was doubled to $62,000 – 20% of his winnings from the Kentucky Derby.

Alvarado was also banned for two Kentucky racing days, on 29 and 30 May. The jockey can appeal his punishment, but has yet to make a statement.

The 38-year-old Alvarado rode Sovereignty to a thrilling victory in last weekend’s race, pulling away from the heavy favorite Journalism down the final stretch. Sovereignty will not compete in this month’s Preakness Stakes, the second leg of US horse racing’s Triple Crown.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/may/11/alvarado-banned-and-fined-62000-for-overuse-of-whip-in-kentucky-derby-win

[Mosby]

1. They should get rid of US style horse racing all together

And go to longer tracks and cross country stuff. Much better for the horses.

[Sneederbunk]

2. Is there a whipping counter for every horse in the race?

[Karadeniz]

3. About time. Secretariats jockey said he could hear Sham being walloped at the

end of the 73 Derby and he felt sorry for Sham. The announcer also commented on how much Sham was being whipped. I read that whipping doesn't do much to increase the speed. It may even slow a horse down.

[flvegan]

4. Ah yes, a "sport" where whipping an animal is only frowned upon

if it exceeds a certain number of times.

Barbarians.

[a kennedy]

5. Six times is all that's allowed.....

Alvarado whipped the bay colt eight times during the race, above the maximum six allowed by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. (Just found out the number)