‘APRIL FOOLS’
Horse racing jockey under investigation after suspicious ride at Parx which left gamblers fuming
The horse came into the race with four wins in five races
A JOCKEY has defended his suspicious ride after punters were left fuming by his second-placed finish.
Eliseo Ruiz was aboard No. 5 Bailout Billy during a race at Parx in Bensalem, PA, on March 31.
Bailout Billy appeared set for an easy win at Parx on March 31Credit: Parx Racing
Punters were left fuming as jockey Eliseo Ruiz appeared to sit motionless as the horse was pipped at the postCredit: Parx Racing
Running for trainer J. Guadalupe Guerrero, Bailout Billy went off as the third choice favorite with 5/1 odds.
The four-year-old was well ahead of the chasing pack as the horses turned the final bend.
Ruiz appeared to sit almost motionless on the bridle as the pair headed down the finishing straight, with the jockey checking out the competition through his legs.
He also seemed to make little effort to gee up Bailout Billy as No. 2 Cocktail Humor came up late to pass on the line.
Footage of the race quickly went viral, with one punter dubbing the ride an “April Fool’s joke.”
The Bureau of Thoroughbred Horse Racing for the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission confirmed Wednesday that they were investigating the contest.
Before the start, Bailout Billy had rattled off four wins in a row in late 2025.
Ruiz has since released his own statement and insists he was following the instructions of trainer Guerrero.
“In light of the comments I have been receiving, I would like to take a moment to clarify certain aspects regarding the events that occurred in Race 9 yesterday at Parx Racing with the horse Bailout Billy.
“I understand that some individuals have expressed concern regarding what they perceive as a lack of action during my ride.
“However, it is important to note that I followed the trainer’s instructions precisely at all times.
“I encourage anyone with concerns to review the horse’s previous races, where it is evident that this is a horse with particular characteristics, one that cannot be urged with the whip nor ridden aggressively in a conventional manner.
“I would like to reiterate that I am a professional who is fully committed to the integrity of this sport and holds its principles in the highest regard.
“I would never act in a way that compromises those values.
“For this reason, I felt it necessary to make this statement, as I cannot allow my professionalism or integrity to be called into question.”