Sun, November 13, 2016

Stewards inquiry in the vicinity of the 1/8 pole and concerning the first place finisher #6 Smile Big(Jose Ortiz) and an objection from the rider of the fourth place finisher #8 City Selection(Luis Saez) for alleged interference in the vicinity of the 1/16 pole with #6 Smile Big. In the vicinity of the 1/8 pole #6 Smile Big drifts out into the path of #14 Parabolique(Jose Lezcano) who has to steady and ducks out stopping her momentum and then in the vicinity of the 1/16 pole #6 Smile Big drifts out into the path of the #8 City Selection who has to steady stopping her momentum. After reviewing all the video angles and speaking to the riders involved, in the judgment of the stewards these incidents altered the finish of the race. #6 Smile Big is disqualified from first and placed last. The new order of finish is 1.7.8.10

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.