Jockey Jose Santos Settles Libel Lawsuit With Miami Newspaper

Hall of Fame jockey Jose Santos has settled his libel lawsuit against the Miami Herald over their printed article falsely accusing him of carrying an unauthorized and illegal object in his hand during his Kentucky Derby ride of Funny Cide in 2003.

Kentucky Derby racing officials later concluded jockey Jose Santos was only holding his whip.

Attorneys of both parties said that Jose Santos and the Miami Herald are “pleased” and “satisfied” with the confidential settlement terms.

Jose Santos rode Funny Cide to victories in the 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. Funny Cide finished 3rd in the Belmont Stakes behind fresh Empire Maker and Ten Most Wanted, both horses having skipped the Preakness Stakes.