Jockey Sonny Leon was suspended 15 days by Churchill Downs' board of stewards Oct. 2 for leaning in on his mount Rich Strike in the last sixteenth of a mile in the Lukas Classic Stakes (G2) and intentionally trying to interfere with rival Hot Rod Charlie and rider Tyler Gaffalione.
Leon's agent Bryce Soth said the rider will not appeal the decision even though Leon said after the race and continues to insist he was fighting to maintain his balance because his saddle had slipped. Hot Rod Charlie prevailed by a short head in the stretch battle against this year's Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) winner.
"No appeal. We're going to just get it out of the way," Soth said. "It's unfortunate."
Hot Rod Charlie took the lead in the 1 1/8-mile race Oct. 1 at the top of the stretch where he passed pacesetter Art Collector. By midstretch, Rich Strike put a head in front, but Hot Rod Charlie dug in, and the two were flank to flank to the wire.
The decision to suspend Leon followed a review of race replays by stewards Monday morning, according to Soth. Leon was traveling and unable to attend the review. He will be suspended through Oct. 29 for "intentionally attempting to interfere with and impede the progress of a rival by repeatedly making physical contact with another rider in the stretch," according to the ruling.
