Thu, March 14, 2024

In the 8th race at Aqueduct on 03/14/2024 there was a Stewards Inquiry involving the 1st place finisher #5 Strategic Decision the second place finisher #9 Inidanquest and the third place finisher #1 Don Vino Vici. There was also a jockeys objection lodged, Jockey Manuel Franco (#1 Don Vino Vici) who finished 3rd logged an objection against the 1st place finisher #5 Strategic Decision ridden by Jockey Eric Cancel for alleged interference in the stretch run. After reviewing the replay and questioning the riders involved the Stewards where of the opinion that #5 Strategic Decision drifted out under a left handed crop making contact with #1 Don Vino Vici forcing him into the outside rival #9 Indianquest who held his ground as they approached the finish line. #5 was disqualified from 1st place and placed third behind #1 Don Vino Vici. Official order of finish 9-1-5-3.

With regard to interference, New York is a “Category 2” state, meaning that Commission rules provide that if the interferer is guilty of causing interference and such interference in the judgment of the Stewards has altered the finish of the race, then the interferer is placed behind the offended horse. The Stewards consider whether the riders of the horse or horses that are offended continue to give effort to the finish of the race. The Stewards also consider whether the offending jockey acted in a willful or careless manner while interfering with another horse or jockey, for which the interferer may be disqualified, i.e., placed last or unplaced in the order of finish. For example, if an offending jockey acts in a dangerous manner, exhibits extremely improper riding or impedes several horses, the Stewards may disqualify the offending horse without regard to the specific effect of the foul on the order of finish.