Sat, October 24, 2020

Race 1 - Stewards’ Inquiry and Trainer’s objection, #5 Devious Mo (Jose Lezcano) against the winner #10 Swashbuckle (Joel Rosario) for alleged interference in the stretch. The # 5, a tiring horse, takes a half step in away from a fast closing #11 Ruse (John Velazquez) as #10 steps out on his inside. After reviewing the video and speaking to the riders involved the Stewards decide the incident did not affect the order of finish. The race is official as is 10-4-11-5.

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.