STANTON, Del. — The Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission has cut in half a jockey's suspension for whipping his horse in the face.

Jeremy Rose, who won the 2005 Preakness and Belmont Stakes aboard Afleet Alex, was initially suspended for six months after he struck Appeal to the City in the face on June 23 as she ran a race, eventually finishing third.

Rose says he accidentally hit the horse in the face and the eye.

Rose's suspension was cut to three months at a hearing on Tuesday. But Rose must pay a $5,000 fine and complete the anger management course he is taking. He also has to pay the horse's medical bills and improve his whip technique.

Rose can race again on Sept. 23.