Juan Cruz Villagra was suspended for one month by San Isidro following another incident involving inappropriate conduct

The jockey reacted improperly toward scale personnel and received another severe penalty; provisional suspension also issued to trainer Nicolás Martín Ferro

Jockey Juan Cruz Villagra received another serious suspension for inappropriate conduct, this time following an incident involving scale personnel at Hipódromo de San Isidro. The stewards ruled to suspend him for one month, from May 2 through June 1.

The episode is far from isolated in the rider’s career. Villagra has already accumulated several similar disciplinary issues, some of which also resulted in lengthy absences from the saddle at both San Isidro and Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo.

At the end of 2022, Palermo suspended him for 20 racing days after finding him guilty of unnecessary use of the whip aboard Galán Galés (Expressive Halo), striking the horse across the face after the finish of the Clásico Ayacucho (G3).

Later, in July of 2024, he was again penalized at Palermo, this time with a 10-day suspension after addressing starter Luis Zalate in inappropriate terms. Villagra himself acknowledged the incident during his hearing before the stewards and apologized for what had occurred.

The most severe punishment came in September of that same year, when Palermo ruled to suspend him for three months following another misconduct episode, this time involving track veterinarian Fausto Hernández shortly before the second race on August 18.

There is little doubt that Villagra—currently enjoying a very strong season on the track—will need to work on controlling his temperament if he hopes to avoid further incidents of this nature. With the level of talent he possesses, continuing down this disciplinary path could become increasingly costly.

Nicolás Martín Ferro suspended provisionally

Hipódromo de San Isidro also issued a provisional suspension to Nicolás Martín Ferro, the champion Trainer of the Year in both 2024 and 2025, following a positive test involving his trainee Kyprinos (Fortify), who had finished second behind Roi du Monde (Treasure Beach) in the third race on April 18.

The horse was likewise provisionally suspended, and authorities will now await the result of the split sample before making a final ruling on the case.