Disgusted..

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Looking at the head-on, Its beyond shocking to me that NYRA stewards left the winner up in the 2nd race.

There were two incidents in the stretch - neither were that major.

#1: The winner came out multiple paths under left handed whiping from Alan Garcia - it caused Gomez to have to stop riding briefly and veer out to avoid catching heels.

#2: The winner comes out again in the very late stages and herds the 2nd place horse.


The second incident is horse racing - let them come together and fight it out late...contact or not. That is what the sport is all about.

The first incident was an obvious foul and it was very intentional. It also could have led to a dangerous situation if Gomez hadn't reacted as well or if Garcia's mount had drifted over any sharper.

However, an obvious and intentional foul that could have led to a dangerous situation should only result in a DQ if it had an impact on the outcome of the race.

In this instance, that was a tough call. The 2nd place finisher made late ground on the winner to cut the final margin to only a neck.

If you favor a DQ you believe the foul at the 1/8th pole cost 2nd place a neck or more.

If you oppose a DQ you believe the foul didn't cost 2nd a neck.

I could see that one going either way myself. In NYRA though, I'd have bet anything that was a takedown.