Barber Files Lawsuit Against Nakatani for Damages in Pushing Incident

Ryan Barber, an apprentice jockey who was pushed off his mount by jockey Corey Nakatani at the finish line of a race at Del Mar on Aug. 3, has filed a lawsuit seeking unspecified damages for alleged assault, battery and emotional distress.

The complaint was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Barber alleges that Nakatani galloped alongside him and shoved him off his mount after their horses crossed the finish line. Barber claims he missed weeks of riding as a result of the incident.

Nakatani was suspended for the remainder of the Del Mar meeting by the track stewards after they investigated the incident.

Nakatani’s license also was placed under probation for one year and he was directed by the board to seek counseling for “impulsive behavior and anger management.”