Drafted has been disqualified from the purse earnings from his fifth-place finish in Saturday's Grade 1 Forego Stakes, according to the Daily Racing Form. The disqualification, worth $26,000 to Drafted's ownership group, stems from the whip rule put in place Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.
New York Racing Association steward Brook Hawkins told DRF that jockey Luis Rodriguez-Castro used his whip 10 times aboard Drafted during the running of the Forego. The rider was fined $500 and suspended three days for misuse of the whip.
Had Rodriguez-Castro used the whip nine times instead of 10, Drafted would not have been disqualified from purse money. The limit under HISA rules is six strikes; for one to three strikes over the limit, riders are given a one-day suspension, a $250 fine, and there is no loss of purse money.
Owners Kevin Hilbert, Thomas O'Keefe, Dublin Fjord Stables, and Racepoint Stables have 10 days to appeal the decision. Trainer David Duggan said the owners are still discussing their options.
“It's like being caught on camera speeding,” Duggan told DRF. “It shows there's a flaw in the system. He popped him three times quick. It's not like he was trying to beat up the horse. I don't think he abused the horse by no means.”
Read more at the Daily Racing Form.
The post ‘Flaw In The System’: Under HISA Whip Rule, One Extra Strike Costs Drafted’s Owners $26,000 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
