Irad Ortiz Jr. Fined $1,000 For Punching Paco Lopez

Three-time Eclipse Award-winning jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. was unhappy with fellow rider Paco Lopez after the fourth race at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 26, 2021. There was an incident at the top of the stretch between the two horses they were riding and Lopez lodged a claim of foul against Ortiz. The Equibase chart of the race said Known Agenda, Ortiz’ mount, “had his hind end brushed“ by Lopez’ mount, Top Gun Tommy. Stewards rejected the claim of foul and left Known Agenda, who was first across the wire by 11 lengths, the official winner. Shortly thereafter, Ortiz threw several punches at Lopez, who was seated in a chair. The altercation was quickly broken up. According to Daily Racing Form, stewards fined Ortiz $1,000 for punching Lopez and placed both riders on probation for the remainder of the meet.