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“Due Process, Selectively Applied?”

Ricardo Santana faces immediate suspension following an arrest. The Ortiz brothers faced no discipline after a cockfighting incident and investigation. Kentucky racing owes its public an explanation. Read This Part Twice This column is not a defense of Ricardo Santana…

By Jonathan Stettin · Past The Wire

Published: Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 1:05 PM

Key Things to Know

Ricardo Santana Jr. received an immediate suspension from Kentucky regulators following his arrest on felony domestic violence charges.
Santana pleaded not guilty, but trainers removed him from mounts for the upcoming Breeders' Cup.
Writer Jonathan Stettin argues that Kentucky regulators enforce conduct standards selectively compared to previous investigations.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. was suspended immediately by the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation following his arrest on domestic violence and strangulation charges. The 33-year-old pleaded not guilty, but trainers Ron Moquett and Mike Maker promptly removed him from upcoming Breeders' Cup mounts.

Writer Jonathan Stettin argues that Kentucky racing regulators apply disciplinary standards inconsistently. Stettin compares Santana's swift suspension to the lack of discipline or public explanation regarding jockeys Irad Ortiz Jr. and Jose Ortiz following evidence of their cockfighting involvement.

Read the full article on Past The Wire

“Due Process, Selectively Applied?”

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