Jockey Junior Alvarado has been fined and suspended for his crop use aboard Bill Mott trainee Chief Wallabee in the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga on June 6.
According to the steward's ruling, Alvarado struck Chief Wallabee eight times – two over the six-strike limit – when finishing fourth in the Belmont Stakes. The stewards handed Alvarado a $3,000 fine and a three-day suspension to be served on June 21, 25, and 26.
HISA whip regulations dictate that 1-3 strikes over the limit result in a $250 fine or 10 percent of the jockey's portion of the purse earnings, whichever is greater, as well as a one-day suspension.
However, since this was Alvarado's third offense within 180 days, the penalties were increased. (His previous violations came aboard Grand Job on April 4 in the Grade 1 Madison at Keeneland and Spiced Up on April 3 in an allowance at Keeneland.)
This story was originally published by Paulick Report on Jun 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
