The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) announced Saturday that jockey Paco Lopez will be reinstated to ride effective January 23.

Lopez had been suspended indefinitely following a December 4, 2024 incident in which he struck his mount sharply on the side of the face with his whip.

“Paco Lopez has demonstrated his commitment to conducting himself in a manner required of professional jockeys,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “He has expressed remorse and a desire to return to riding with a renewed understanding of the responsibility that comes with the privilege of working with horses.”

The incident occurred following the strangely run fifth race Dec. 4 at Parx Racing. Lopez was aboard National Law, a two-year-old Constitution colt trained by Jorge Duarte for Colts Neck Stables LLC. Sent off the even money favorite, National Law went well clear of his rivals in mid-stretch but drifted out badly, finishing the race literally on the outside rail – though still clear and in first.

As Lopez was pulling the horse up after galloping out, he put the stick in his right hand and gave National Law a crack to the side of his head. That action took place on-camera.

Reaction on social media was quick and nearly unanimous in condemning Lopez.

“The actions today of veteran jockey Paco Lopez were completely, totally unacceptable, inexcusable and reprehensible,” Mike Repole’s Repole Stable opined on X, one of many such comments.

“It’s never okay to react out of frustration towards a horse,” Parx track announcer Jessica Paquette said on that social network, adding, “More now than ever, we have to be better.”

The punishment meted out by HISA called for Lopez, in addition to undergoing counseling and taking time off from the sport, to make “meaningful donations to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and Thoroughbred aftercare organization Second Call.”

Second Call focuses on assisting New Jersey’s off-track Thoroughbreds.

A HISA spokesperson said that Lopez had “met all conditions required for reinstatement.”

“During his suspension, Lopez participated in required therapy sessions, which he has pledged to continue, and made sizable donations to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund and Second Call Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement,” the spokesperson said.

Lopez has won more than 4,000 races in his career while accruing more than $152 million in purse earnings.