Panamanian jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. arrested in Kentucky

Panamanian jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. has been arrested in Jefferson County, Kentucky, on charges of first-degree strangulation and fourth-degree assault with minor injuries. According to records from the Louisville Metropolitan Corrections Department, Santana also faces two active warrants for failure to appear in previous cases, which prevents his immediate release.

As a result of the arrest, Santana will miss his scheduled engagements at the Breeders’ Cup held at Keeneland. He was slated to ride Hymn in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint on October 31. His trainer announced that Rafael Bejarano will replace him for that race. Santana was also scheduled to ride Foie Gras and Doncho during the event.

Santana, 33, has been active in the United States since 2009 and is currently ranked ninth nationally in earnings for the year, with over $13 million in winnings. He was trained at the Laffit Pincay Jr. Jockey Academy before establishing himself in the North American circuit.