Parx female jockey sues male jockey alleging sexual advances

A jockey who rides at Parx in Bensalem filed suit Wednesday against another jockey, alleging he made sexual advances toward her while she was undressing and taking a shower.

Kristina McManigell, 23, alleges that Eriluis Vaz, 28, made advances toward her three times Dec. 7, including twice when she was naked, while she was alone in the female jockeys' room. The suit says she feared rape and screamed for help.

Two years ago, Vaz got into a fight with another jockey in the middle of a race at Parx, then called PhiladelphiaPark. He was suspended for 200 days for his role in the incident, which drew international attention.

McManigell's attorney, Adam S. Barrist, said in a statement that "Ms. McManigell bravely came to Philadelphia from the rural South as a young woman, seeking to break into the male-dominated sport of thoroughbred horse racing. Just as she was beginning to make significant headway in her career, this happens to her."

Vaz's attorney, Alan Pincus, said he could not comment because he had not seen the suit.

Horses ridden by Vaz have won $14.8 million during his career, according to Equibase, a clearinghouse for thoroughbred-racing information. McManigell's horses have won $2.17 million.

After an investigation by Parx, Vaz was ejected from the track Dec. 13, according to the complaint. The ejection was reported on racing websites.

The lawsuit says Vaz appealed the ejection to the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission. The commission affirmed the ejection, according to the complaint.

The suit, filed in Bucks County Court, seeks damages in excess of $50,000.