Leading Santa Anita jockey Joel Rosario was handed a five-day suspension for causing interference that resulted in a spill near the finish line of the ninth race Jan. 14, stewards announced.
Rosario's suspension is to begin Jan. 21 and run through Jan. 28. He could appeal the ruling, which was issued Jan. 15.
Mon Coeur, Rosario's mount, drifted out while in front nearing the wire and bumped with Teasing Bernie, who clipped heels with Mon Coeur and went down, throwing jockey Martin Pedroza. Teasing Bernie, who did not finish, was vanned off the track. Mon Coeur, the even-money favorite in the $30,000 maiden claiming event for 3-year-olds, was disqualified and listed as unplaced.
Both Teasing Bernie and Peroza escaped serious injury in the spill. Pedroza rode as scheduled Jan. 15.
Stewards cited Rosario for failing to maintain a straight path.
During the ban, Rosario would be permitted to ride graded stakes or designated races that are exempt from routine suspensions.
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