Velaquez won't face penalty for BC ride

Published Apr. 6, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Kentucky racing officials are dropping charges against jockey John Velazquez for Life At Ten's lackluster performance in the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic last November.

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission voted Wednesday in favor of settling all charges against the Eclipse Award-winning rider.

Velazquez said in televised comments before the race he was concerned Life At Ten wasn't warming up properly. She lagged behind the rest of the field, finishing last.

Officials claim the jockey either should have alerted veterinarians about his concerns over the horse's health or given her a normal ride. For doing neither, he was cited for engaging ''in conduct that is against the best interest of horse racing.''

Velazquez said ending the matter now is in the best interests of racing.