Former champion jockey Dane Nelson has been given the green light to partner the Rohan Crichton-trained Commandant in the 2024 Mouttet Mile at Caymanas Park on Saturday.

Nelson, who is on winter break from riding in Canada, was not among the jockeys declared when the draw for the ultra rich event was conducted on Tuesday with Commandant listed to be ridden by the American-based Mexican jockey Paco Lopez.

No reason has been given as yet for the change by Commandant’s connections, however Lopez has been handed a provisional suspension by the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority from all racing activities under its jurisdiction.

The ruling was handed down after video posted on social media platform X showed Lopez striking National Law after the 2-year-old colt won a maiden special weight at the Parx Racetrack in Bucks County, Pennsylvania despite drifting out to the outer rail.

In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Authority said the suspension is effective immediately and that it would “proceed under an expedited timeline through HISA’s adjudication process.”

Lopez, known for his many achievements on the track, boasts an impressive career record of 4,037 winning rides according to Equibase. In the current racing season, he has made a significant impact, with 1,311 mounts resulting in 268 victories so far in 2024.

Commandant is drawn at post position 11 for the event which carries an historic purse of USD $250,000.

Another prominent US jockey, Emisael Jaramillo, will partner Legacy Isle which is Crichton’s second entry in the event.

Jaramillo brings a wealth of experience to the Mouttet Mile, having secured 1,721 wins out of a total of 9,187 career rides. His 2024 resume includes guiding home 146 winners from 775 rides.