Fifteen jockeys have been sanctioned by the New Mexico Racing Commission for their roles in a walkout that caused SunRay Park officials to cancel racing just minutes before post time on April 24.

The commission took action during its regular monthly meeting last Wednesday in Albuquerque.

Jimmy Ray Coates received the heaviest penalty, as he was suspended for 15 days and fined $1,500. The following riders received one-day suspensions and $400 fines – Casey Lambert, Ken Tohill, David Essman, Ricky Ramirez, Felipe Garcia-Luna, Santos Gracia, Jesse Levario, Johnnie Maldonado, Esgar Ramirez, Vicente Grajeda, Alejandro Medellin, Jorge Luis Gonzalez, and Mark Villa.

Sanctions against several jockeys who were absent from the hearing will come before the commission at its next monthly meeting on June 16 in Albuquerque.

According to testimony, the jockeys were unhappy with their mount fees, an inadequately sized hot box, and the quality of the food available in the jockeys’ quarters.

Mindy Coleman, an attorney for the Jockeys’ Guild, told the commission that frustrations came to a head on April 24, resulting in many of the jockeys refusing to ride.

SunRay Park director of racing Lonnie Barber testified that when he and some horsemen went to the jockeys’ quarters to discuss the situation, several of the jockeys were verbally abusive to him and the horsemen.

When Barber asked for a show of hands from jockeys who were willing to ride that day, none raised their hands.

Some of the jockeys said that Barber's demeanor in the jockeys' quarters was the breaking point that led to them refusing to ride.

After deliberating for more than 30 minutes in closed session, the five-member commission dismissed complaints against 11 jockeys and sanctioned 15 others.