Jockey Hector Berrios has been handed a three-day suspension by the California Horse Racing Board for “failing to make a reasonable effort to maintain a straight course at the start and causing interference,” as detailed in a ruling posted on the CHRB website on January 23. The infraction took place during the second race at Santa Anita on January 19. Riding the eventual winner, Comedy Town, Berrios drifted off his line after the gates opened, overtaking the jockeys who finished second, Del Margery and Emisael Jaramillo. No objections or inquiries arose following the race.
Berrios’ suspension will be in effect from February 6 through February 8, a notable period as Santa Anita hosts eight stakes races that weekend, including five major events. However, the suspension does not prevent him from participating in certain designated races. Notably, Berrios is slated to ride champion Super Corredora in her 2026 season debut in the one-mile Las Virgenes Stakes on Sunday, February 8. Super Corredora, a Gun Runner filly trained by John Sadler, has been under Berrios’ guidance in all four previous starts, including her most recent race in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies.
Additionally, G1 American Pharoah winner Intrepid is set to make his 3-year-old debut in the G3 Robert B. Lewis Stakes on Saturday, February 7. Intrepid’s trainer, Jeff Mullins, had Berrios aboard for both the horse’s victory and his earlier fifth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. The champions of the Las Virgenes and Robert B. Lewis Stakes will earn 20 qualifying points toward the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, respectively.
This story was originally published by Paulick Report on January 27, 2026, and appeared first in their News section.
Fan Take: This suspension highlights the high level of scrutiny jockeys face, especially in critical races early in the season, and underscores the importance of maintaining fair competition. For horse racing fans, how Berrios handles his suspension and returns to the saddle in big-stakes events could impact key championship outcomes and the sport’s integrity.
