Jockey Cristian Torres suspended for whip use in Kentucky Derby, Oaks

TL;DR

Jockey Cristian Torres has been suspended for five days and fined $5,000 for excessive whip use during the Kentucky Derby and Oaks. He has appealed the sanctions and was not scheduled to ride in the upcoming Preakness Stakes.

Key points

Cristian Torres fined $5,000 for whip use
Suspended for five days by HISA
Appealed the sanctions
Struck horse eight times in Kentucky Oaks
Not scheduled to ride in Preakness Stakes

Mentioned in this story

Cristian TorresHorseracing Integrity and Safety AuthorityChurchill Downs

Kentucky DerbyKentucky OaksPreakness Stakes

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - MAY 02: Robusta #23, ridden by Cristian Torres, is seen during the post parade, during the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 02, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Jockey Cristian Torres has been fined and suspended by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) for excessive use of his whip in both the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks earlier this month at Churchill Downs.

Torres has appealed the sanctions, which total $5,000 in fines and five days of racing in Kentucky. He was not scheduled to ride in the Preakness Stakes on Saturday at Laurel Park.

HISA determined Torres struck Search Party eight times — two over the limit — while finishing 10th in the Kentucky Oaks on May 1. That resulted in a $2,000 fine and a two-day suspension.

HISA ruled Torres struck Robusta seven times while finishing 14th in the Kentucky Derby on May 2. That resulted in additional sanctions of a $3,000 fine and a three-day suspension. Robusta will be ridden by Rafael Bejarano in the Preakness.

HISA whip rules state that 1-3 strikes over the limit results in a $250 fine or 10% of the jockey’s portion of the purse earnings (whichever is greater), as well as a one-day suspension.

Q&A

Why was Cristian Torres suspended during the Kentucky Derby?

Cristian Torres was suspended for excessive use of his whip, striking his horse eight times, which is two over the limit.

What are the details of Cristian Torres's suspension and fines?

Torres received a five-day suspension and a total of $5,000 in fines for his actions during the Kentucky Derby and Oaks.

Is Cristian Torres appealing his suspension from the Kentucky Derby?

Yes, Cristian Torres has appealed the sanctions imposed by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.