Lawyer: Officials made jockey Velazquez scapegoat
March 11, 2011LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - An attorney for jockey John Velazquez says the rider has been made a ``scapegoat'' by Kentucky racing officials looking to assess blame for Life At Ten's lackluster ride in last fall's Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission ruled Thursday there is ``probable cause'' for a hearing officer to determine whether the Eclipse Award-winning jockey violated three state racing statutes during the race.
Attorney Maggi Moss calls the precedent ``chilling'' for riders all over the world.
Velazquez told TV announcers before the race he was concerned Life At Ten wasn't warming up properly. She finished last.
Officials claim the jockey either should have alerted veterinarians about his concerns over the horse's health or given her a normal ride.