Van Dyke's Fine for Riding Crop Violation Reduced

Jockey Drayden Van Dyke, initially fined $15,600 and suspended three days for exceeding the maximum number of riding crop strikes in guiding Soul of an Angel to victory in the $1 million Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) last fall at Del Mar, has dropped his appeal of that ruling and has been issued a reduced financial penalty. Van Dyke struck Soul of an Angel seven times to her hindquarters, one strike over the limit under Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority regulations. A June 20 ruling issued by California stewards and posted to the California Horse Racing Board website notes the fine is now $5,200, and he will serve a two-day suspension this summer July 4-5. Van Dyke had previously served a suspension day while his case was on appeal, according to HISA. Going 1-3 strikes over the limit results typically in a $250 fine or 10% of the jockey's portion of the purse, whichever is greater, plus a one-day suspension. The portion of the purse is meant to discourage violations in high-value races. Jockeys with repeat violations within a designated period are subject to multiplying sanctions—the basis for Van Dyke's original ruling. He also had crop violations Sept. 14 and Oct. 25, giving him three within a 90-day period. He had 10 riding crop violations overall in 2024. Van Dyke's riding crop fine was reduced in accordance with proposed HISA rules, expected to be approved by the Federal Trade Commission, which would eliminate the multiplying component of such fines.