Franco and Velazquez suspended for excessive whip use in the Travers

The jockeys involved in the thrilling finish between Leading Change and Napoleon Solo received a one-day suspension and financial penalties for exceeding the six-strike limit established by HISA

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (Special for Turf Diario).— The sensational finish of last Saturday’s Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga left fallout for its two central figures. Manny Franco and veteran John Velazquez were fined and suspended for exceeding the allowed limit on crop use during the stretch duel that ended with Leading Change(Gun Runner) defeating Napoleon Solo (Liam's Map) by half a length.

As reported by Daily Racing Form, the stewards determined that both riders breached the regulations set forth by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), which permits using the whip a maximum of six times during a race.

Franco, who guided Leading Change to victory in one of the most prestigious events in the United States, used the whip seven times, one over the maximum limit. Velazquez, meanwhile, struck Napoleon Solo eight times during his bid to run down the winner.

Victor Escobar, steward for the New York Racing Association (NYRA), confirmed the tally to Daily Racing Form.

HISA rules dictate that when a jockey exceeds the crop limit by one to three strikes, the penalty is a one-day suspension and a financial fine equal to $250 or 10 percent of the rider's share of the purse, whichever is greater.

Consequently, Franco was handed a one-day suspension and a $6,875 fine, representing 10 percent of his earnings for the victory with Leading Change.

Velazquez must also serve a one-day suspension, with his financial penalty set at $1,250, likewise reflecting 10 percent of his earnings for finishing second aboard Napoleon Solo.

The penalties did not alter the outcome of the Travers, meaning Leading Change naturally retained his victory over Napoleon Solo, secured after a fierce battle in the closing stages.

The margin between them was a mere half-length, which explains the sheer intensity with which Franco and Velazquez pressed for maximum effort from their mounts in the stretch drive.

According to the published report, both jockeys retain the right to appeal their sanctions.

Thus, one of the most thrilling renewals of the Travers in recent memory added a postscript. Leading Change claimed the glory at Saratoga, but both Franco and Velazquez will pay a price for pushing beyond the limits allowed by the rules.