Jockey Robby Albarado entered a not-guilty plea in Jefferson County, Ky., District Court May 8 in connection with his arrest May 4 on assault charges.
Scott Barton, an attorney for Albarado, said the veteran rider is worried his racing career is at risk as he faces the charges. He was arrested and charged with fourth-degree assault for allegedly accosting a woman who said she was trying to break up with him.
Albarado’s arrest came hours before he was to ride in the $1 million Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) May 4. He was indefinitely suspended from racing at Churchill Downs and faces a Kentucky Horse Racing Commission hearing May 16.
Albarado was charged with domestic assault last year in an incident involving his estranged wife, but the charge was dismissed.