Palermo Hands Joaquín Guida Six-Month Suspension Over Giant Malevo Case

The apprentice rider had initially been provisionally suspended after repeatedly striking the horse on the head, an action that drew sharp criticism from horsemen and fans alike and played a key role in the severity of the final sanction

Joaquín Guida will be eligible to return to the saddle on October 14 / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Finally, the Racing Commission of the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo decided to suspend apprentice jockey Joaquín Guida for six months for what they considered a "serious breach of professional responsibility." This decision came after he repeatedly struck Giant Malevo (Giant's Pleasure) in the head during the fourth race last Monday, a situation that immediately sparked widespread discussion.

As previously noted, the young jockey, nominated for Apprentice Jockey of the Year at the upcoming Carlos Pellegrini Awards, had been temporarily suspended shortly after the race due to the striking images of the incident.

The Commission's explanation for their decision states:

"That during the course of the race, apprentice jockey Guida inflicted an unnecessary punishment on the horse Giant Malevo.

"That on the same race day, the race stewards decided to temporarily suspend jockey Guida and referred the matter to the Racing Commission.

"That on April 15, the response from Mr. Guida was received.

"That the defense presented by the jockey does not justify his actions in any way.

"That the explanations and justifications given by the respondent in his defense do not manage to disprove his level of responsibility nor explain his brutal aggression towards the horse Giant Malevo, striking him with the whip on the head even when the horse was not showing signs of risk for himself or for other competitors.

"That it is within the duties of the Racing Commission and the stewards to promote the welfare of the horses in competition, focusing on animal care, and to sanction any mistreatment that may be caused."

According to the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, the decision was based on the punishment Guida inflicted on the horse once the situation was under control, rather than at the moment when the horse, in disobedience, sharply veered toward the rail, which was deemed "logical." The track had already imposed severe penalties on jockeys for similar offenses, including Martín Valle and Juan Cruz Villagra.