Junior Alvarado suspended, fined $62,000

**str** · 05-11-25, 10:44 AM

This is a case by case thing Nasher. Because it is the most public race in America I understand why this was done. But , and this is a big but, the reality of this situation is, that if every rider rode like that in every race, there would be no need for a rider /crop limit and violation.

Hitting or slapping a horse on their shoulder is no more than making sure the horse stays in focus and attentive. That he does not wander in his mind when the crowd noise is overwhelming. Or, let up when clear as the 8 horse was still coming. Notice you never see him beating the hell out of the horse, which you see all the time from half assed and subpar riders. The great riders know exactly what to do and when to do it. He is in that category.

So the fine is all about PR. The 2 days out is the rule as well. I'm sure he would gladly take two days off in that case. I would have to think that owners, Mott, and plenty more would all be willing to pay that for him , and what will really happen because of it, is he will get that money and a bunch more back with people supporting him in the future.

As for the PR, the world does need PITA and all the protesters I guess. Everything needs some regulation. But, they are so off the mark on what they say and do it's a joke. So to is the dishonest trainer or caretaker of horses that need to be called out. Like most everything, the truth and what is right, is always somewhere in the middle.

This rider is excellent and by no means abusive. I respect the rule though.

**stevenash** · 05-11-25, 10:46 AM

I think this fine is ticky-tack, and I love Junior as well.

**Madison** · 05-11-25, 02:28 PM

Originally posted by str

This is a case by case thing Nasher. Because it is the most public race in America I understand why this was done. But , and this is a big but, the reality of this situation is, that if every rider rode like that in every race, there would be no need for a rider /crop limit and violation.

Hitting or slapping a horse on their shoulder is no more than making sure the horse stays in focus and attentive. That he does not wander in his mind when the crowd noise is overwhelming. Or, let up when clear as the 8 horse was still coming. Notice you never see him beating the hell out of the horse, which you see all the time from half assed and subpar riders. The great riders know exactly what to do and when to do it. He is in that category.

So the fine is all about PR. The 2 days out is the rule as well. I'm sure he would gladly take two days off in that case. I would have to think that owners, Mott, and plenty more would all be willing to pay that for him , and what will really happen because of it, is he will get that money and a bunch more back with people supporting him in the future.

As for the PR, the world does need PITA and all the protesters I guess. Everything needs some regulation. But, they are so off the mark on what they say and do it's a joke. So to is the dishonest trainer or caretaker of horses that need to be called out. Like most everything, the truth and what is right, is always somewhere in the middle.

This rider is excellent and by no means abusive. I respect the rule though.

PITA??? And the end of Greyhound racing. Anyone care how many people lost their careers lifetime. NO !!!