‘This Is Wrong’: Jockey Fined $500 After Causing Two-Horse Spill At Emerald Downs
AUBURN, Wash. — The Jockeys’ Guild is calling for tougher penalties at Emerald Downs after a serious riding incident on August 17, 2025, left one jockey hospitalized and two horses on the ground. Regional manager Darrell Haire says the track’s current disciplinary approach isn’t strong enough to deter dangerous riding, particularly from less experienced jockeys.
The incident involved 21-year-old Manuel Americano, who had just achieved journeyman status the day before. Riding Chuckanut Bay in the fifth race, Americano drifted inward at the three-sixteenths pole, interfering with I’m Noble and jockey Alex Cruz. Cruz’s mount clipped heels and fell, causing a chain reaction that also brought down San Andres, ridden by Julien Couton.
Stewards disqualified Chuckanut Bay from fourth to last for interference. Cruz was taken to a local hospital but avoided serious injury. Couton walked away unhurt. One of the fallen horses required transfer to a rehabilitation facility for injuries, while the other was reported to have only minor soreness.
Despite the severity of the incident, stewards gave Americano the option of a $500 fine or a two-day suspension. He chose the fine. It was his fourth riding infraction this season at Emerald Downs, but the first resulting in a disqualification.
Haire strongly criticized the decision and the policy behind it.
“This is out of the ordinary throughout the country,” Haire said. “If you’re at fault, you face consequences. That’s how young riders learn—by feeling the sting. It can’t be just a tap on the wrist.”
Emerald Downs has followed a policy for the past several years that allows jockeys to choose between a short suspension or a fine for a first disqualification-related offense each season. Haire says the rule was originally introduced as a stopgap measure when the track had too few jockeys to maintain full race cards near the end of a meet.
“It was supposed to be a one-time deal,” he said. “But it’s become the norm, and that’s wrong. Riders make mistakes, but when they put others in danger, it has to be addressed seriously.”
According to Haire, veteran riders in the jockey colony have attempted to advise Americano about the risks he’s creating for others, but the message hasn’t gotten through. He’s now urging the Washington Horse Racing Commission to eliminate the leniency policy altogether.
Haire has reached out to the commission’s executive director but has yet to receive a response. He’s hopeful the issue will be addressed during the upcoming commission meeting on September 12, where a hearing involving jockey Alex Cruz is already on the agenda.
Despite the controversy, Americano has enjoyed a breakout year. He captured the track’s most prestigious race, the Longacres Mile, and has ridden 128 winners from 746 starts in 2025. He currently sits second in the jockey standings at Emerald Downs.
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