Runner-up jockey fined for touching rival in Derby
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Jockey Tyler Gaffalione was fined $2,500 for his ride on Sierra Leone during the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission announced the fine after ordering Gaffalione to attend “film review” of the race on Thursday. He was fined “for touching a rival with his left hand nearing the finish,” according to a news release. He has 30 days to pay the fine.
Gaffalione guided Sierra Leone to a late-running, second-place finish on May 4 in the Kentucky Derby, a nose behind Mystik Dan. Sierra Leone beat Japan-bred Forever Young by a nose for second place.
Gaffalione and Sierra Leone engaged Forever Young and jockey Ryusei Sakai in a physical battle while trying to catch Mystik Dan in the final furlong of the race. The horses made contact several times, and a photo appears to show Gaffalione making contact with Forever Young with his left hand.
“He wanted to lean in today and made it a little difficult,” Gaffalione said after the race. “I had a hard time keeping him straight, and that definitely cost us. He gives you everything, very responsive, but he loses concentration.” Sakai didn’t claim foul after the race. Churchill Downs stewards didn’t post an inquiry sign after the Kentucky Derby.
Gaffalione has been named to ride Tuscan Gold in Saturday’s Preakness Stakes in Baltimore.