TOP jockey John Velazquez is being ‘held in Spain by authorities’, according to reports.
The iconic Puerto Rican rider, 49, has been stopped from flying to Saudi Arabia for the world’s richest race.
Velazquez was apparently stopped by airport security when trying to get between terminals for a connecting flight.
The jockey was set to ride Tacitus in tomorrow’s £14.3million Saudi Cup.
But now, according to respected racing reporter Nick Luck, William Buick has been given the mount.
Velazquez’s problems come after another jockey, Umberto Rispoli, was not allowed to travel.
Rispoli said he was sitting on the plane ready to fly when taken off the plane by security.
The Italian jockey, 32, claimed a change to coronavirus protocols in Riyadh forced the change.
He said: “I was ready to fly, my luggage was on the plane, my seatbelt was fastened.
“Before we left the stewards came on and took me off the plane saying Riyadh had, at exactly that moment, changed the Covid test.
“Before, it was 72 hours prior to the flight. This time Riyadh requested a Covid test within 72 hours once you land in Riyadh.
“It was something that was out of my hands. I’m frustrated and that’s why I couldn’t go to ride in the Saudi Cup.”
More to follow.
