Eliseo Ruiz pushes back at criticism
Seemingly head-scratching ride “followed instructions,” he says
The Biz
April 2, 2026
Facing criticism for his seemingly indifferent ride aboard Bailout Billy March 31, jockey Eliseo Ruiz fired back Wednesday in a statement released on Facebook and other social media outlets.
Ruiz has come under scrutiny following his handling of Bailout Billy in Race 9 at Parx Racing, a ride that has prompted an investigation by the state Racing Commission stewards.
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In the ninth, a $50,000 first-level allowance for fillies and mares, Bailout Billy, off at 4-1, quickly cleared the field, opening up a five-length lead after a half-mile in 45.03 seconds. Ruiz was virtually motionless for the opening half-mile, and he didn’t do much more in the lane outside of a couple of looks back. Late in the race, 9-5 favorite Cocktail Humor collared Bailout Billy to win by a half-length.
Trained by Guadalupe Guerrero for S D Trading, Bailout Billy has won four of 14 career starts and earned $145,423.
It appeared to many that Ruiz did not put forth his best effort in the race. But in his statement, Ruiz defended both his ride and his professional integrity, emphasizing that he executed the race in accordance with instructions.
“It is important to note that I followed the trainer’s instructions precisely at all times,” Ruiz said, adding that observers should consider the horse’s established running style before drawing conclusions.
According to Ruiz, Bailout Billy is not a horse that responds well to aggressive handling. He noted that past performances show a pattern of needing a more patient, measured ride, including limited use of the whip.
“I encourage anyone with concerns to review the horse’s previous races, where it is evident that this is a horse with particular characteristics,” Ruiz wrote. “One that cannot be urged with the whip nor ridden aggressively in a conventional manner.”
The veteran rider also pushed back on implications that his effort lacked professionalism, stating he remains fully committed to the sport’s standards.
“I would never act in a way that compromises those values,” Ruiz said, adding. “I cannot allow my professionalism or integrity to be called into question.”
Ruiz, whose career began in 2003, has compiled 305 wins and more than $11.3 million in purse earnings. He has also enjoyed recent stakes success, including four stakes wins aboard Takethemoneyhoney during the 2025–2026 seasons.
The situation now rests with Parx stewards, who are reviewing the ride to determine whether Ruiz’s actions were consistent with riding to the best possible placing, a fundamental rule in racing. Their findings will ultimately decide whether the criticism results in formal action or is dismissed as a misunderstanding of tactics tied to a difficult horse.
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