pitc9
08-27-2007, 02:09 PM
http://www.newsnet5.com/sports/13984424/detail.html
SAN MATEO, Calif. -- Russell Baze, the winningest jockey in thoroughbred racing history, has been suspended and fined for using his whip on an injured horse who later died.
Baze was headed to an easy win aboard Imperial Eyes at Bay Meadows on Thursday when the horse took a bad step and broke down in the deep stretch. According to a Bay Meadows spokesman, Baze urged Imperial Eyes forward after the horse recovered from the initial bad step, using his whip twice.
Imperial Eyes still finished second, but had a broken bone in his left front leg. The four-year-old gelding was euthanized after going into distress.
Imperial Eyes' trainer said he doesn't blame Baze for the horse's death, but the Hall of Fame jockey said he's sorry for his actions.
Baze will miss 11 race programs when he's suspended from Sept. 2-16. He'll also have to pay a $2,500 fine.
SAN MATEO, Calif. -- Russell Baze, the winningest jockey in thoroughbred racing history, has been suspended and fined for using his whip on an injured horse who later died.
Baze was headed to an easy win aboard Imperial Eyes at Bay Meadows on Thursday when the horse took a bad step and broke down in the deep stretch. According to a Bay Meadows spokesman, Baze urged Imperial Eyes forward after the horse recovered from the initial bad step, using his whip twice.
Imperial Eyes still finished second, but had a broken bone in his left front leg. The four-year-old gelding was euthanized after going into distress.
Imperial Eyes' trainer said he doesn't blame Baze for the horse's death, but the Hall of Fame jockey said he's sorry for his actions.
Baze will miss 11 race programs when he's suspended from Sept. 2-16. He'll also have to pay a $2,500 fine.