Jockey Mike Smith has been suspended four days - from May 17-20 - for careless riding in the eighth race last Sunday, but the sanction is not expected to interfere with his ability to ride Justify in the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on May 19.

Smith has the option to approach the California Horse Racing Board and request a stay that would allow him to ride until he can appeal the penalty.

Secondly, Smith can ride the Preakness Stakes under California's designated race rule, which allows jockeys to ride graded stakes, such as the Preakness Stakes, while under suspension for penalties of 10 days or less.

When California-based jockeys ride more than one designated race, or ride a designated race out of state, they must serve an additional day of suspension.

Smith was cited for his ride on race winner Achira, who drifted out in the stretch of a one-mile turf race causing runner-up Helen Hillary to be carried toward the middle of the track. The stewards spent several minutes reviewing the race, but did not change the order of finish.

This is the second time in the last 60 days Smith has been suspended for careless riding. He was cited for his ride on McKinzie in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes when his mount was disqualified from first to second for causing interference near the finish of the Triple Crown prep. Smith received a three-day suspension for that infraction.