Thu, September 1, 2016

Race #3 - Stewards inquiry into the start of the race where the #2 Smile Big (Irad Ortiz, Jr.) breaks poorly. The start takes place and as the #2 turns his head he breaks a tick slower than the rest almost unseating the rider. After reviewing the video it is determined that #2 Smile Big caused his own problem and his start was not compromised. The race is official as is 3-8-1-2

Race 5: Stewards inquiry and a jockeys objection from the rider of the fifth place finisher #1 Bishop Pond (Jose Lezcano) against the first place finisher #3 Rachel Wall (Jose Ortiz) for alleged interference inside the 1/8 pole. #1 Bishop Pond racing between #7 Daring Duchess (John Velasquez) on the rail and #3 Rachel Wall on the outside and #1 Bishop Pond was looking for room from #3 Bishop Pond that was not there. After reviewing the race video and speaking to the riders involved, in the judgment of the stewards no further action was warranted. The race is official as is 3.6.7.5

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.

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