Wed, October 4, 2023

Race 7

Stewards Inquiry and Jockey’s Objection nearing the finish line. #8  Fulmineo  (Flavien Prat) claimed foul against #3 Agate Road (Irad Ortiz Jr.) for stepping in, causing the #8 to be jostled. As the #3 Agate Road passed #1 Liam’s Journey (Manuel Franco), that one shied inward and was permitted to step in. Concurrent with that event, the #9 Spirit Prince (Joel Rosario) came out under left handed urging, jostling #8 Fulmineo. After reviewing the race and speaking with the riders, the stewards saw no evidence to disqualify the #3 Agate Road. Furthermore, since the #8 Fulmineo beat the #1 and #9, no action was taken. Official order of finish 3-8-[1-9] dead heat.

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.