Sat, March 9, 2019

Race 11 - Stewards inquiry concerning #10 in the stretch, and a Trainers objection by the 2nd place finisher #3 Oxy Lady (Javier Castellano) against the winner #2 Expresso Shot (Eric Cancel) for alleged interference in the same vicinity. As the horses straightened out turning for home #10 Please Flatter Me came out under left hand crop impeding #12 Orra Moor (John Velasquez) forcing that horse out into the path of #3 Oxy Lady causing her to check sharply. After reviewing the video and speaking to the riders involved, the stewards determined that since the impeded horses came back and finished in front of #10 Please Flatter Me who caused the interference that no further action was warranted. Official order of finish 2.3.12.10.

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.