Paco Lopez, who was captured on video striking a horse in the face with his whip after a race at Parx, finally broke his silence on Thursday. This incident has brought significant attention to the sport and Lopez is now taking responsibility for his actions.

Admitting Fault and Apologizing

In a tweet on X, Lopez wrote, "I take full responsibility for my actions. I am aware that our sport is under a lot of scrutiny and I fully apologize to everyone involved in our sport – fans, horsemen, management, racing commissions, HISA and of course, National Law. My actions were reactionary, in the heat of the moment, and I am truly sorry." This shows his willingness to face the consequences of his behavior and make amends.

Taking Time Away and Seeking Help

Lopez further stated that he has seen the many social media postings related to the incident and it has led him to reflect on the situation. As a result, he has decided to take time away from racing and, like several of his fellow riders, seek appropriate counseling to work on himself. This shows his commitment to personal growth and improvement.

Love for Horses and the Industry

Lopez emphasized that he loves horses and this industry deeply. Horseracing has been his whole life and he looks forward to a return in the near future. His words indicate that he still has a passion for the sport and hopes to regain the trust of those involved.Thank you for taking the time to read this.