Punters demand lifetime ban for jockey as ‘reprehensible’ footage shows him smack horse in face after winning race

OUTRAGED punters have demanded an immediate lifetime ban and huge fine for a jockey who was filmed smacking a horse in the face after winning a race.

America-based rider Paco Lopez caused a social media storm after he was seen striking National Law with his whip following their victory at Parx racecourse in Pennsylvania.

National Law hung badly right in the closing stages of the Flat race but clung on to claim the £40,000 contest by one-and-a-half lengths.

But it was Lopez’s ‘cruel’ actions after the post that have sparked fury among fans.

As the horses pulled up the jockey was seen whipping his two-year-old across the face.

It could have been seen as teaching the juvenile a lesson for drifting across the track.

But that reason is unlikely to satisfy racing bosses – who have opened an investigation into the incident – or big-time billionaire owner Mike Repole.

The co-founder of Glaceau drinks wrote in a tweet that Lopez should be subjected to an immediate ban and hefty fine for his ‘reprehensible’ actions.

Repole posted: “The actions today of veteran jockey Paco Lopez were completely, totally unacceptable, inexcusable and reprehensible.

“There is no place for this in our sport. This is why racing needs a national governing body and jurisdiction that reviews all of these important matters immediately and can act on them promptly.

“We all know how dangerous this sport is for jockeys and have the utmost respect for the job they do and the risks they take EVERY day on EVERY mount, and I recognise the horse’s erratic behavior in the race.

“That said, I call on the Stewards to take immediate action.

“As Commissioner, I strongly recommend, effective immediately, a 90-day suspension and a $25,000 (£20,000) fine.”

Others said only a lifetime ban would suffice, while another outraged racing lover wrote: “Paco Lopez needs his licence revoked.

“There is never a reason to hit a horse in the face. Can’t imagine what the fans thought watching that.”

And a fellow punter said: “Paco Lopez should not be able to ride horses any longer. End of story.”

Incredibly, the horse’s trainer Jorge Duarte Jr came to the jockey’s defence.

He said: “Jockeys are the toughest athletes.

“We have mental health involved already anyone who saw the whole stretch run would say Paco was outstanding keeping the horse safe. We need to focus on things that matter.”

Lopez was previously at the centre of an almighty storm after he was punched three times in the head by legendary jock Irad Ortiz Jr.

And last October Lopez, a 39-year-old Mexican, got a 30-day ban for easing his horse up before the winning post.

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