Sat, March 30, 2024

In the 8th race at Aqueduct on 3/30/2024 there was a jockeys objection lodged by Jockey Samuel Camacho Jr. (#1 Laughing Boy) who finished 2nd against the 1st place finisher #5 Messier ridden by Jockey Jose Gomez for alleged interference in the stretch run. After reviewing the replay and questioning the riders involved, the stewards were of the opinion that #5 Messier drifted in inside the three sixteenths pole into the running lane of #1 Laughing Boy forcing jockey Samuel Camacho to check sharply and take his mount outside his rival. #1 Laughing Boy recovered and made-up ground on #5 Messier. As a result #5 Messier was disqualified from 1st place and placed 2nd behind #1 Laughing Boy.

Official Order of Finish 1-5-3-7.

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.