Fri, August 10, 2018

Race 5 – Stewards inquiry and jockeys objection in the 5th race from Jose Ortiz the rider of #3 Fierce Scarlet for alleged interference in the stretch. The #10 Pakhet (Javier Castellano) while approaching the 1/16 pole shifts out under a left handed crop causing the # 3 Fierce Scarlett to alter his course he then goes on to finish fifth by a head. After reviewing the video and speaking to the riders involved the Stewards determine it did alter the order of finish and the # 10 is disqualified and placed behind the # 3. The new order of finish is 7-8-6-3.

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.