A jockey who was suspended for five years in 2007 for possession of an electrical device has been reinstated to ride by the New Mexico Racing Commission on a probationary basis.
The commission voted unanimously May 12 to reinstate jockey Roman Chapa, with the condition that he remain on probation until June 26, 2012, the term of the suspension. If Chapa violates any rules or statutes of the New Mexico commission, the regulatory body may “immediately and summarily reinstate the remainder of the probationary period,” according to the ruling. Also, prior to the start of any race meet in New Mexico, regardless of whether he plans to ride at the meet, Chapa must make a presentation in coordination with the Jockeys’ Guild.
The New Mexico commission suspended Chapa for five years after he was found to be in possession of an electrical device following the sixth race on Feb. 17, 2007. Chapa’s mount in that race, Right Place N Time, ran fifth.
Since being reinstated, Chapa has ridden three winners from 26 mounts, through June 12. According to Equineline statistics, Chapa has ridden 1,466 winners from 8,778 starters, for a 17% win rate, during his career.
Roman Chapa
Jeff Coady Photography