In Saturday’s Pasco Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs, a controversial moment involving five-time Eclipse Award-winning jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. has led to a possible penalty. Ortiz’s ride aboard Owen Almighty resulted in the horse being disqualified from first place after an incident during the race.
What Happened in the Pasco Stakes?
During the seven-furlong race, Ortiz was riding Owen Almighty as the odds-on favorite. While attempting to take the lead, Ortiz made an inward move between horses, which forced Júnior Alvarado, aboard Rookie Card, to check his horse abruptly to avoid a dangerous collision. This incident caused significant disruption in the race.
Although Owen Almighty crossed the finish line first, the stewards decided to disqualify him for interference. Naughty Rascal, who originally finished second, was declared the winner. Rookie Card, unable to recover from the interference, finished fifth but was later promoted to fourth due to the disqualification.
Ongoing Investigation by Stewards
Joelyn Rigione, one of the three stewards reviewing the case, stated that a decision on whether Ortiz will face penalties will likely come by Wednesday. The review involves analyzing race footage and conducting interviews with those involved. Rigione explained that Monday and Tuesday are off days, which delays the ruling process.
The possible consequences for Ortiz include suspension, fines, or both. While he is one of the sport’s most successful jockeys, his aggressive riding style has occasionally sparked controversy.
The Impact on Owen Almighty and Others
This decision affected not just Ortiz but also the connections of Owen Almighty and other horses in the race. For the owners and trainers of Naughty Rascal, the promoted victory marks a significant achievement, but for Alvarado and Rookie Card, the interference meant a lost opportunity to compete fairly.
The Pasco Stakes incident serves as a reminder of how crucial split-second decisions are in horse racing. Jockeys must navigate high-pressure situations while ensuring the safety of all participants. As Ortiz awaits the stewards’ decision, the racing community will watch closely to see how this case unfolds. Ensuring fairness and safety remains the top priority for stewards and the sport as a whole.
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