Jockey Cristian Torres has been sanctioned by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) for exceeding whip use limits in his rides in the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby.
Torres was fined $2,000 and suspended two Kentucky racing days (May 17 and May 21) for his ride aboard Search Party in the Kentucky Oaks. He received a fine of $3,000 and a suspension for the Kentucky race days on May 24, 25, and 28, for his ride on Robusta in the Kentucky Derby.
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 these were Torres’ second and third offenses within 180 days, the penalties were increased. (His first violation came aboard Texas Sequoia in the twelfth race at Oaklawn Park on March 27.)
According to the ruling, Torres struck Search Party with the riding crop eight times when finishing 10th in the Kentucky Oaks, twice over the six-strike limit. It was the 28-year-old jockey’s second offense in 180 days.
In the Kentucky Derby, stewards state Torres struck 14th-place finisher Robusta with the riding crop seven times, once over the six-strike limit, for his third offense in 180 days.
According to HISA’s rulings portal, Torres has appealed both decisions and requested a stay of the suspension pending the appeal.
Atsuya Nishimura, the rider of Kentucky Derby fifth-place finisher Danon Bourbon, was also sanctioned by the stewards.
The stewards determined that Nishimura struck Danon Bourbon with the riding crop seven times. He was fined $1,000 and suspended for one Kentucky racing day on May 7.
The Kentucky Derby was Nishimura’s stateside debut.
This story was originally published by Paulick Report on May 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
