Joaquín Guida Handed Automatic Suspension at Palermo for Excessive Use of the Whip

The apprentice rider was at the center of an unfortunate incident involving Giant Malevo during the running of Monday’s fourth race

Joaquín Guida, at the center of images that do little to help the sport's image / HAPSA

Less than 20 minutes after the running of Monday’s fourth race at Palermo, the stewards had already handed apprentice Joaquín Guida a provisional suspension following a disturbing incident involving Giant Malevo (Giant’s Pleasure) in the Premio Simbal, contested over 1000 meters.

The horse, who had a known history of erratic behavior—including once failing to navigate the turn in a 1200-meter race—began to veer outward during the running. In an attempt to correct him, Guida struck the colt on the head with his whip.

Though the situation appeared to be momentarily under control, the problem resurfaced soon after, with Guida again resorting to the whip to keep the horse from bolting. However, the stewards’ decision to suspend him wasn’t based on that corrective action, but rather on the excessive use of the whip after the horse had already been pulled up and was under restraint—a clear case of abuse.

“I was right behind him, and if he hadn’t hit the horse, it would’ve jumped the rail,” said another rider who took part in the race. “But then I passed him, and I don’t know what happened after that.” The comment didn’t justify Guida’s later actions, but did shed some light on the difficult initial circumstances.

These are never easy situations to judge—after all, safety is paramount. Still, it was evident that Guida overreacted, continuing to whip the horse more out of anger than necessity when the danger had passed. That’s why the provisional suspension was imposed immediately, stewards clarified, not because of the initial correction, but due to what followed.

According to reports, Guida has already submitted his statement, and a final ruling is expected soon. A severe penalty appears likely. Palermo has dealt with similar incidents in the past, most recently involving Juan Cruz Villagra, who was handed a 20-meeting suspension for "unnecessary use of the whip."

Footage of the Premio Simbal quickly went viral on social media, drawing a wide range of reactions. While many criticized Guida’s behavior, others defended his initial instincts.

This isn’t a matter of taking sides—it’s about fairness and consistency in decision-making. Guida, one of the most successful apprentices on the circuit today, may have been justified in his early actions to prevent a serious accident, but there is no question he went too far afterward.