We made this point about the cruelty of horse racing in our most recent podcast. Didn’t realize it actually happened to the Kentucky Derby winner until we saw this today. From the Courier Journal:

Jockey Junior Alvarado was fined $62,000 and suspended two days as the result of excessive crop use during his winning ride on Sovereignty in the Kentucky Derby on May 3 at Churchill Downs.

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority issued its ruling Friday after Alvarado met Thursday with stewards from Churchill Downs.

Sean Collins of Bloodhorse.com reported hours after the Kentucky Derby that Alvarado had used his riding crop on Sovereignty at least seven times during the race. HISA ruled Alvarado used it eight times.

Under HISA rules, jockeys may use their crops no more than six times. The penalty is 10% of the jockey’s earnings from the race — which would be $31,000 for the Kentucky Derby — and a one-day suspension.

HISA’s ruling stated the fine and suspension was doubled because it was Alvarado’s second violation within 180 days. The suspension is to be served May 29-30.