Sat, August 19, 2023

Race 9 

Steward’s inquiry and objection by the rider (Irad Ortiz Jr.) of #7 Gambling Girl shortly after the start. The #9 Taxed (Rafael Bejarano) drifted in steadily from the start, moving down from the 9 path to the 6 path. In doing so, #7 Gambling Girl (Irad Ortiz Jr.) clipped heels and was thrown momentarily off balance. After regaining momentum, the #7 Gambling Girl (Irad Ortiz Jr.) continued on to finish 6^th – approximately a length and a half behind #9 Taxed (Rafael Bejarano).   

After reviewing the film and speaking with the riders, the stewards felt the actions of #9 Taxed (Rafael Bejarano) cost the #7 Gambling Girl (Irad Ortiz Jr.) a placing. Official order of finish 8-2-10-4-7-9. 

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.