Alvarado appeals Kentucky Derby whip penalty

Jockey Junior Alvarado is considering appealing a fine and suspension for excessive whip use during his Kentucky Derby win. He faces penalties for exceeding the allowed number of whip strikes. Alvarado was fined $62,000 and suspended for two days after using his whip eight times on Sovereignty, exceeding the limit of six strikes. He has ten days to decide whether to appeal the ruling by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. The jockey previously faced scrutiny for whip use in a December race. If he doesn't appeal, Alvarado's suspension will be served on May 29th and 30th, during which time there are no races in his home state of New York.