Jockey Paco Lopez Earns Fans’ Backing Amid His Suspension Concerning Horse’s Safety in 2024 Incident

Any horse racing fan would swear by the fact that the sport is one of the most thrilling ones out there. The adrenaline, the taste of victory and horses tailing on each other’s heels are sights every connoisseur loves to enjoy. And the jockeys love to revel in the admiration. But sometimes, in search of glory, some riders can get a little too carried away. And that’s exactly what seems to be the case for Paco Lopez, but the fans are willing to consider his time served.

In December, the Mexican jockey rose on the back of National Law to win the fifth race at Parx Racing. However, video evidence showed that he used his riding crop on the horse multiple times on the face as the latter veered outside en route to victory. Subsequently, Lopez was suspended for 50 days. However, PETA contested the ruling and urged that the punishment wasn’t in line with the jockey’s actions. Now, as a new update emerges on the matter, fans of the sport don’t seem to be on board with the new decision.

The official Thoroughbred Daily News‘ social media handle took to X on September 23 to share an update on Paco Lopez’s situation. “ALERT: Jockey Paco Lopez has been issued a six-month suspension by the @hisa_us,” the post reveals how the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) extended the 39-year-old’s woes.

However, the fans weren’t at all satisfied by the new verdict. “Unfair !!!!” bellowed one fan, quite possibly remembering how Lopez has already served his suspension sentence.

ALERT: Jockey Paco Lopez has been issued a six-month suspension by the @hisa_us.

The suspension stems from Lopez's violation of the terms of his conditional reinstatement, related to a December 4, 2024 riding crop incident.https://t.co/g5hlRxX9bD

— TDN (@theTDN) September 23, 2025

The story is developing

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