1ST Racing bans jockey Mychel Sanchez * The Racing Biz

1ST Racing bans jockey Mychel Sanchez

Press Release
January 21, 2022

In the wake of news that jockey Mychel Sanchez had been suspended for 60 days by the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission for betting against his mounts, 1/ST Racing, owners of Laurel Park and Pimlico, as well as Gulfstream Park, Santa Anita Park, and Golden Gate Fields, announced it would bar Sanchez.

The company issued the following statement:

Maryland Racing Commission OKs new TMJC as track operator
The Maryland Racing Commission on Dec. 23 signed off on the new nonprofit Maryland Jockey Club to operate Laurel Park in the new year.

After learning of the serious allegations of illegal wagering on the part of jockey Mychel Sanchez, effective immediately 1/ST RACING will institute an indefinite ban against him from training or racing at any 1/ST RACING venue. Any decision regarding Sanchez’s reinstatement will be made at a later time. 1/ST RACING stands on the principles of integrity and accountability, and we believe there is no place in our sport for this kind of unethical and illegal activity.

The 1/ST Racing ban will have no immediate impact because the Commission-issued suspension takes precedence and has effect nationwide. It likely means, however, that once the suspension is lifted, Sanchez will need to convince company officials to allow him back at tracks owned by the company.