Van Dyke Fined, Suspended for Crop Use at Breeders' Cup

Following the Breeders' Cup at Del Mar, a pair of jockeys were penalized for violations during races at the World Championships. Drayden Van Dyke was fined $15,600 for a riding crop violation, administering one strike above the limit on the victorious Soul of an Angel during the $1 million Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) Nov. 2. Van Dyke was also suspended three race days (Nov. 10, 15, and 16). According to the California Horse Racing Board, this is Van Dyke's third such penalty within six months. Because it's his third penalty for excessive use of his riding crop, the penalties are tripled. Soul of an Angel's half-length win was the first Breeders' Cup victory for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. Jockey Paco Lopez was suspended three racing days (Nov. 9, 10, and 15) for failure to maintain a straight course on the backstretch, causing interference, during the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1T) Nov. 1. Coming out of the gate, Lopez and Governor Sam interfered with rivals as they maneuvered to the rail. After leading most of the way, Lopez and Governor Sam came in third, the top United States finisher in the race. The ruling did not impact the order of finish.