By Joe Bianca
Jason Jocher, the owner of Power Hour Racing, has filed a protest with the California Horse Racing Board after his horse, Airfoil (Bernardini), finished second in a conditioned $10,000 claiming race Sunday at Santa Anita. The story was first reported by Blood-Horse.
Entries in the sixth race were supposed to be restricted to trainers with 20 or fewer horses in their care in California, one of several new conditioned races at the Santa Anita meet designed to level the playing field for smaller outfits. Jocher claims that Charles Treece, who won the race with Overcomer (Old Topper), trains far more than 20. Jocher also said that trainer Jesus Nunez, who saddled 10th place finisher Dutt Bart (Empire Way), also should not have been allowed to enter.
“My biggest grievance is for the bettor,” Jocher wrote on Twitter Sunday night. “The results of the race changed the outcome of a lot of plays. Two horses clearly did not belong and were allowed to run. The condition is the condition. Always has been, always should be. I don't get paid by the state to check a horse's eligibility. I expected the racing office would do its job.”
When contacted by TDN Monday, CHRB spokesperson Mike Marten said, “There isn't really much comment to give. The protest is being investigated, and it will be handed over to the stewards for a hearing.”
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