Ricardo Santana Jr., arrested and suspended, ruled out of the Breeders' Cup

The jockey was arrested in Louisville on charges of domestic violence involving his partner and was released after posting a $25,000 bond. Kentucky racing authorities have suspended his license pending the outcome of the legal process.He had three engagements booked for the weekend at Keeneland

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).— A police report sent shockwaves through the Breeders' Cup circuit this Tuesday, just three days before the start of the event at Keeneland. Jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. has been suspended by Kentucky racing authorities following his arrest in Louisville on charges stemming from alleged domestic violence incidents involving his partner.

The administrative action automatically rules him out of Friday and Saturday's cards, where he had three scheduled mounts, and bars him from competing at any racetrack within the state until further notice.

According to BloodHorse, Santana was arrested on Monday, October 26, at approximately 11:30 p.m. by Louisville Metro Police officers.

Police reports indicate the complaint arose after his partner stated that the jockey had grabbed her by the neck on two separate occasions during arguments related to alcohol consumption.

Court records show he faces two counts of first-degree strangulation—classified as Class C felonies under Kentucky law—and two counts of fourth-degree assault domestic violence, involving minor injuries.

First-degree strangulation carries potential prison sentences of five years or more upon conviction, while fourth-degree assault, a misdemeanor, can result in penalties of up to twelve months in jail.

Santana appeared Tuesday in Jefferson District Court and was released after posting a $25,000 bond.

As part of the conditions imposed, he is prohibited from contacting his partner and must refrain from committing further legal violations.

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for November 4, when the court will determine if sufficient evidence exists to refer the felony charges to a grand jury.

Santana retains the presumption of innocence, and the allegations have yet to be adjudicated in court.

Immediate Suspension

The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation (KHRG) moved swiftly, announcing the suspension of the jockey's professional license pending the resolution of his criminal charges.

“The jockey license issued to Ricardo Santana Jr. will remain suspended until his criminal charges are resolved,” stated agency spokesperson Travers Manley.

“During the suspension, he will be denied access to all facilities under the jurisdiction of Kentucky Horse Racing & Gaming and will be removed from all of his mounts in Kentucky until further notice,” he added.

The agency noted that the stewards will issue a formal ruling no later than Wednesday, October 28.

The decision directly impacts three Breeders' Cup entrants.

Santana had been named to ride Foie Gras (Volatile) in the Filly & Mare Sprint (G1), Doncho (Mo Town) in the Turf Sprint (G1), and Hymn (McKinzie) in the Sprint (G1).

Trainer Mike Maker, who conditions Foie Gras, confirmed Santana will not ride the filly after conferring with co-owner Peter Proscia of Paradise Farms.

“We don’t know the whole situation, but Ricardo is not going to ride Foie Gras,” Maker explained.

Similarly, Ron Moquett, trainer of Hymn, publicly announced that the jockey will be replaced.

For Doncho, trained by Michelle Lovell, the official suspension likewise precludes Santana from taking the reins.

Replacement riders for all three mounts have yet to be confirmed.

Santana has previously faced legal issues related to alcohol consumption. In 2024, he pleaded guilty to two DUI offenses stemming from arrests in late 2023 and 2024, serving jail time.

In those proceedings, he also faced reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident charges, which were ultimately dismissed under plea agreements.

On the track, Santana boasts a distinguished career in the United States, including a previous victory on the championship stage.

In 2020, he captured the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) aboard Fire At Will (Declaration of War) at Keenelandfor trainer Mike Maker.

Six years after that victory, the jockey finds himself sidelined from the 2026 edition under starkly different circumstances.

The suspension will remain in effect while the legal process unfolds, without prejudice to actions other U.S. racing jurisdictions may take.

Breeders' Cup connections must now finalize replacement riders with just days remaining, while Santana faces a pending criminal process.