CHICAGO – Jockey Eddie Perez has asked police to charge fellow jockey Chris Emigh after the pair clashed in the jockeys’ room at Arlington Park, Illinois.

The incident happened after the first race on Sunday when Perez’s horse was disqualified from first to fifth place for bumping Emigh’s mount at the top of the stretch. A fight broke out in the dressing room which apparently left Perez nursing injuries to his ears and mouth; his agent later said he had been to hospital for treatment and required stitches to a cut next to his mouth.

Arlington Heights confirmed they has received a complaint from Perez who asked for charges to be pursued against Emigh. Police were unable to confirm if they planned to take any action. Up to 20 jockeys were present in the jockeys’ room so there should be no shortage of witnesses for police to question.

Emigh was the 2006 jockey champion at Arlington and has also been champion multiple times at Hawthorne. Last week he announced he planned to ride at Keeneland and Churchill Downs this fall following the end of the Arlington racing season on September 27. Terry (Jaws) Miller is Emigh’s new agent for the Kentucky circuit.