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Thumb_andersen Steve Andersen , Santa Anita , 02/16/2018 , Race 1 - DRF Live Posted : Feb 16, 2018, 5:00 PM

Santa Anita: Stewards suspend Pedroza for 15 days, fine valet for jockey's room fight

Jockey Martin Pedroza was suspended 15 calendar days, and valet Maximo Corrales was fined $500 for an altercation between the two in the jockey's room on Dec. 29, according to two rulings issued by the board of stewards on Friday.

Pedroza, 52, was also fined $500. He is suspended from Tuesday through March 6, a period of seven racing days. During the suspension, Pedroza is not allowed on racetrack property and therefore cannot work horses.

Pedroza was given a more severe penalty after he struck Corrales with his helmet, according to the ruling.

Pedroza said between races on Friday that he is considering appealing the portion of the penalty regarding the 15-day suspension. 

Corrales, who also holds an exercise rider's license, was only fined. Corrales is 38.

Both Pedroza and Corrales have been ordered to "adhere to the recommendation of the Winners' Foundation regarding anger management education," according to the ruling. The Winners' Foundation aids people in California racing with substance abuse and mental health problems. The rulings state Pedroza and Corrales could face suspensions of their licenses if they fail to follow recommendations of the Winners' Foundation.

The Dec. 29 fight led to an investigation by the California Horse Racing Board and three mornings of hearings before stewards Grant Baker, Scott Chaney and Kim Sawyer earlier this month.

In the days after the incident, Pedroza said the argument stemmed from his desire for certain valets to saddle his horses. Both Pedroza and Corrales received medical attention after the incident.

Pedroza said on Friday that he regretted the incident.

"It should have been avoided," Pedroza said. "It shouldn't have escalated."

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