HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus defended the six-month suspension of jockey Paco Lopez, following the Jockeys’ Guild’s criticism of the Horse Racing Safety and Integrity Authority’s (HISA) decision. The suspension stems from a January 17 agreement where Lopez was given a two-year probated suspension contingent on no similar violations within two years. Since returning to racing after a 45-day suspension earlier in 2025, Lopez has committed eight of the 25 total crop violations nationwide involving striking horses with the wrist raised above the helmet, which triggered the automatic six-month suspension under the agreement.

Lopez’s attorney, Drew Mollica, argued that the violations do not breach the agreement, stating the original incident involved striking a horse in anger post-race, whereas Lopez’s recent violations were minor whip infractions adjudicated by stewards and not acts of anger. Lazarus emphasized that HISA prioritizes horse and rider safety and hopes Lopez will comply with rules and set a positive example upon his return.