Fri, August 9, 2019

Race 4 - Steward’s Inquiry and jockey’s/trainer’s objection into the stretch run. The trainer of #1 Go Rudy Go (Jose Lezcano) and Javier Castellano (jockey of #6 Shandian) lodged objections against #’s 9 Fly Fly Away (Irad Ortiz, Jr.) and #2 First Deputy (Jose Ortiz) for alleged interference in the stretch. Approaching the 1/8 pole, # 2 shifts out from behind #’s 6 and 1 carrying #9 out approximately two paths. Passing #’6 and 1, in the vicinity of the 1/16 pole, #9 comes in, under a right-handed crop, causing #2 to shift in and #’s 6 and 1 must check hard several strides from the wire. #’s 9 and 2 continue for a tight photo finish approximately 2 lengths ahead of #’s 6 1nd 1. After reviewing the race films and speaking with the riders involved, in the judgment of the stewards, the incidents did not alter the finish of the race. The race was declared official as is: 9-2-6-2b-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.