Mon, October 14, 2019

Race 1 - Inquiry posted following Race 1 to review the stretch run from just outside the 1/8th pole and through the finish wire involving #3. Apex Predator ( Hector Diaz, Jr.) and #5. Freudian Sip (Jose Lezcano). The #3. drifts out several times then makes contact with the #5. who finishes second by a short neck. After reviewing the appropriate video and speaking with the aforementioned riders, the Stewards ordered #3 Apex Predator to be placed second having finished first and thereby ordering # 5 Freudian Sip, who finished second, to be placed first.

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.