steward inquiry | Horse Racing Free Tips

Jockey Gregory Romero reportedly has been suspended 30 days and fined $1,000 by the Belterra Park stewards two days after he eased up on a 9-1 mount that led in the shadow of the wire but ended up getting beaten by a neck by a more assertively ridden favorite.

Romero's penalty was first reported Friday afternoon by the Paulick Report.

On Thursday, Belterra steward Ron Herbstreit declined an opportunity to comment to TDN about the matter. A Friday morning email TDN sent to Ohio State Racing Commission executive director Christopher Dragone requesting a copy of the ruling remained unanswered at the time of deadline for this story.

“After considering all testimony and evidence during this hearing, the Board of Stewards determined that Jockey Gregory Romero misjudged the finish line and failed to persevere through the wire which cost his mount a position,” stated the ruling published by the Paulick Report. “Therefore, Jockey Gregory Romero is fined $1,000 and suspended 30 days. This penalty will be reduced to $500 and suspended 15 days, if not appealed.”

The Paulick Report stated that Romero waived his right to appeal, meaning he'll end up serving his reduced days Aug, 9-23.

Romero attained the lead aboard Scooteranddabigman (Mor Spirit) in deep stretch of the fourth race at Belterra Aug. 2, a five-furlong, NW2L $12,500 claiming turf sprint. He encouraged his mount with right-handed stick work into the final sixteenth of a mile, then lowered his whip alongside his right leg while keeping his left hand on the reins. With Hillbilly Logic (Elusive Quality) closing fast to the outside under John McKee, Romero twice glanced to his right but did not urge his mount to counter the move.

Romero has been riding since 2016 with a 32-for-297 career win record. This season he's 3-for-29, and Wednesday's mount was his first opportunity to ride since July 15.

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The stewards at Belterra Park have asked jockey Gregory Romero to explain why he appeared to not persevere with his mount while on the lead in the final few jumps before the finish of Wednesday's fourth race there, which led to that 9-1 horse getting beaten by a neck by the hard-charging 6-5 favorite.

Reached by phone just prior to the start of Thursday's races, the three Belterra stewards–Ron Herbstreit, Vincent Clark, and Raina Paucar–told TDN in a speaker phone call that they would not discuss what was said at that hearing or if a penalty was in the pipeline.

“We have investigated and there was a hearing for the jockey. But as of right now, we have no comment,” said Herbstreit. “If you want to call the jockey, he might tell you something. But right now, we're not, okay?”

TDN could not find a working phone number for Romero to get his side of the story, nor would the Belterra stewards disclose the jockey's contact information. The stewards said Romero is not represented by an agent.

Asked if a ruling had been issued against Romero, Herbstreit said, “Not yet. That's why there's no comment right now.”

After stalking in second for most of the race, Romero attainted the lead in deep stretch of the five-furlong, NW2L $12,500 claiming turf sprint aboard Scooteranddabigman (Mor Spirit). He encouraged his mount with right-handed stick work into the final sixteenth of a mile, but then lowered his whip alongside his right leg while keeping his left hand on the reins.

Hillbilly Logic (Elusive Quality) was closing fast to the outside while under a drive by jockey John McKee, and Romero twice glanced to his right to see the oncoming rival without taking assertive action to counter the favorite's late move.

The Equibase chart explained Scooteranddabigman's second-place finish this way: “had a rail trip chasing pace to stretch, angled out to the lead, stayed on in the late going but nailed on the wire with mild perseverance in the final four strides.”

Romero has been riding since 2016 with a 32-for-297 career win record. This season he's won three races from 29 mounts.

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