It seems as though the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission stewards judge the Derby differently than they would an Allowance race on Thursday afternoon.
There was obvious bumping in the stretch run between runner-up SIERRA LEONE and 3rd-place finisher FOREVER YOUNG and the actions of Tyler Gaffalione aboard SIERRA LEONE as the wire approached – appearing to straight-arm FOREVER YOUNG like a running back shedding a would-be tackler – should have, on their own, warranted an inquiry.
Their official explanation, taking two full days to manufacture after dodging questions from reporters since Saturday night, was issued Monday by a state government flak: “The Stewards review every race in Kentucky live and by video replay before posting it official and they followed the same procedure for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, the statement said. “After conducting their standard review of the race, determining no further review or investigation was necessary to conclude there were no incidents that altered the finish of the race, and seeing there were no objections filed, the Stewards posted the Kentucky Derby official.”
The statement went on to say: “Following the race, the Stewards ordered Tyler Gaffalione, jockey aboard Sierra Leone, to film review on May 9, 2024. The Stewards conduct film reviews routinely to review the conduct of jockeys during a race. The Stewards, in their discretion, can take disciplinary action against a jockey following the review. If the Stewards issue a penalty, it will be posted on the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission website.”
OMG ! Are you kidding me ? There was $26,947,251 wagered in Exactas on the Kentucky Derby and the margin between 2nd and 3rd place was a matter of inches. Replays show SIERRA LEONE was out in the middle of the track at the top of the stretch and came in several paths while racing just to the outside of FOREVER YOUNG for the final three-sixteenths of a mile. Bumps were exchanged.
The Daily Racing Blog needed SIERRA LEONE or FOREVER YOUNG on top to complete the Oaks/Derby Double but one thing was clear, MYSTIK DAN wasn’t coming down.
But as far as the exotic wagers on the Derby are concerned, the stewards did everyone a disservice by not lighting the inquiry sign and taking a serious look at the stretch run from every angle – and allow the public to see what they were reviewing.
Should there have been a disqualification? Hard to say, but at the vey least there should have been a stewards inquiry – and explanation to the public.
Quite simply, the stewards blew it.
