Watch what you say these days.
That’s the clear message for all jockeys after three times Gr 1 Kentucky Derby winning rider, Kent Desormeaux last night was suspended for a racial comment.
A cameraman named Guy Stuttley, a black man, wanted to take a pic of the champion rider at Del Mar racecourse, and well, Desormeaux didn’t want him too.
The pair exchanged words, which reached heated levels, then the jockey turned to racist comments, it has been alleged.
At that point, the cameraman put down his camera, walked over to the jock, and belted him in the face.
The exchange both in words and actions were seen by many.
Stuttley was fined $200 and charged with disorderly conduct.
Desormeaux, 50, was suspended for 15 race meetings and ordered by the Stewards to be evaluated by the Winners Foundation and “abide by the recommendation of that organization.”
The Winners Foundation counsels people in the California racing community on mental and substance abuse issues.
In an oddity to the rules of racing, once Desormeaux’s suspension is over and he has met the Winners Foundation conditions, he will be allowed to ride again.
However, a track, based on their own reasons, can ban him from riding.
Officials at Del Mar have not commented on whether the rider will be allowed to ride at their track again….or whether stuttley will be allowed to take any more photos.
