Jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. was arrested Oct. 26 on charges related to violence against his girlfriend, booked into jail, and bonded out ahead of the Breeders' Cup, where he had been scheduled to ride in three races.
He will no longer compete in the World Championships Oct. 30-31 at Keeneland, as the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation suspended his jockey license. He will be unable to take any mounts in Kentucky.
The arrest on domestic violence-related charges occurred in Louisville, Ky., after, according to news reports, Santana's girlfriend told metro police he held her by the neck two different times during arguments about his drinking. A metro police spokesperson told BloodHorse Oct. 27 via email, "Our 8th Division Officers arrested him on Monday evening around 11:30 pm. He is facing Strangulation 1st and Assault 4th DV (minor injury)."
Court records show Santana is charged with two counts of strangulation in the first degree, a class C felony that can carry five years or more in prison upon conviction. Assault in the fourth degree is a misdemeanor, a charge for which he also faces two counts, and can result in up to 12 months in jail. The statutes underlying both charges also provide for fines.
Santana was scheduled to ride Foie Gras in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1), Doncho in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1T), and Hymn in the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1).
After the news broke, trainer Mike Maker told BloodHorse after consultation with co-owner Peter Proscia of Paradise Farms, "We don't know the whole situation, but Ricardo will not be riding Foie Gras." Trainer Ron Moquett posted on social media that Santana would not ride Hymn. BloodHorse did not reach Doncho trainer Michelle Lovell, but the KHRG suspension ensures he will not ride this weekend in Kentucky (Typically other states honor such suspensions as well.)
"The Jockey license issued to Ricardo Santana Jr. will be suspended pending the disposition of his criminal charges," spokesperson Travers Manley told BloodHorse via email. "During his suspension, Mr. Santana will be denied privileges of all facilities under the jurisdiction of Kentucky Horse Racing & Gaming. He will be removed from all mounts in Kentucky until further notice. KHRG Stewards will issue a formal ruling on or before Wednesday, October 28, 2026."
Santana won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1T) for Maker in 2020 on Fire At Will at Keeneland.
In 2024, Santana pleaded guilty to two charges of driving under the influence of alcohol arising from arrests in late 2023 and 2024 and served time in jail as a result. Santana was also charged with reckless driving in the 2023 case and leaving the scene of an accident in 2024. The latter charges were dismissed pursuant to plea agreements.
Santana was arraigned Tuesday in Jefferson County District Court and released on a $25,000 cash bond, according to court records. He was placed on conditions to have no contact with his girlfriend and no other violations of the law.
A preliminary hearing on whether Santana should be bound over to a grand jury is set for Nov. 4. If a grand jury finds probable cause that Santana committed either of the felony charges, he would be prosecuted in Jefferson (Ky.) Circuit Court. It is possible the case could be resolved without either of those proceedings taking place.
Out-of-court allegations do not establish that a crime has been committed, only that charges may be filed. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Byron King contributed to this story.
