Wed, October 19, 2016

Stewards inquiry and Jockey objections by the 2nd place finisher #3 D’ Eloquent (John Velasquez) and the 3rd place finisher #7 Bull  (Manuel Franco) against the first place finisher #5 Uncle Chester (Jose Lezcano) for alleged interference in the vicinity of the 1/16 pole. #5 Uncle Chester came out several paths making contact with #3 D’Eloquent forcing that horse out into #7 Bull. After viewing all video available and speaking to the riders involved the stewards determined that the interference cost both horses a placing #5 Uncle Chester was disqualified from 1st and placed him 3RD. The official order of finish 3.7.5.1

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.

For more information, see Commission rule 4035.2 (“Riding foul penalized)