The Sidelines : Suspended Jockeys Get a Break

The Nebraska State Racing Commission approved an amendment that will allow jockeys under suspension to ride in designated races.

Under the amendment, jockeys serving suspensions of 10 days or less because of riding infractions will be allowed to ride in stakes and futurity races and futurity trials, if those races have been specially earmarked by stewards before the start of a track’s meet.

Previously, jockeys who were under suspension were not allowed to ride in any races.

The commission, meeting at Fonner Park, also granted the horse Destroy ‘Em, a notorious mud-runner who has established himself as a crowd favorite, permission to race at Fonner as a 13-year-old. According to Nebraska law, no horse that is over 12 is allowed to race in the state, unless someone associated with it has special permission by the commission.