Sat, August 1, 2020

Race 5 - Stewards’ Inquiry and Jockey’s objection into the 5th race. Approaching the 1/8th pole, #4 Vexatious (Jose Lezcano) comes out to meet #3 Midnight Bisou (Ricardo Santana, Jr.). Continuing to battle down the stretch, #3 comes back in and the two brush near the wire. After reviewing the video and speaking to the riders involved, it is the opinion of the Stewards that the outcome of the race was not affected. The race was made official as-is 4-3-6-2.

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.

Race 11 - Stewards’ Inquiry, Trainer’s Objection (#2), and Jockey’s Objection (#2) into the 11th race. Approaching the 1/16th pole, #6 Sadler’s Joy (Javier Castellano) comes in under right-handed crop, making contact with #2 Cross Border (Jose Ortiz) who in turn knocks a closing #5 Channel Maker (Manuel Franco) off stride. After reviewing the video and speaking with the relevant riders, the stewards felt the interference did affect the outcome of the race. The #6 was disqualified from 1st and placed 4th. The race was made official with the new order of finish 2-3-5-6.

Following formal film review with the relevant riders, the stewards issued the following ruling on August 5th, 2020: "Jockey Javier Castellano is suspended from racing for three (3) racing days for careless riding during the running of the eleventh race at Saratoga Racecourse on August 1st 2020. Having appealed, a stay has been granted. Notice number ST 5-2020"

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.