Jockey Tyler Baze, who has a history of problems with alcohol abuse, has been suspended by stewards at Betfair Hollywood Park for 120 days for two violations of California rules of racing.
According to the July 7 ruling, Baze was under the influence of alcoholic beverages while performing his respective duties and failed to abide by an agreement with the California Horse Racing Board.
The ruling is retroactive to June 13, the date when Baze last rode after being removed from his five scheduled mounts at Hollywood Park. At the time, Baze was tied with two other riders for leading jockey at the meet. He was taken off his mounts for violating his conditional licensing agreement with the CHRB that required him to check in with racing board investigators each day before riding.
Baze, 30, was once one of the most promising riders in North America and won an Eclipse Award as top apprentice jockey in 2000.
As part of the suspension that is scheduled to run through Nov. 10, Baze will be required to undergo an in-house rehabilitation program of a minimum of 60 days and continue to comply with the terms of a testing agreement with the CHRB. Also, before reinstatement, Baze must participate in a fitness for license hearing, according to the ruling.
