By T. D. Thornton
Rafael Bejarano's trip from Kentucky to New York to ride just one mount Saturday in the GI Alabama S. resulted in disqualification from fifth to sixth and a subsequent three-day suspension issued Sunday by the Saratoga Race Course stewards for “careless riding.”
The incident involved Bejarano and the 4-1 Taxed (Collected) swerving inward and cutting off the 5-1 Gambling Girl (Dialed In) and Irad Ortiz, Jr. about 70 yards into the 10-furlong stakes.
The Equibase chart stated Bejarano's filly “stumbled at the start recovering inwards a step, raced to the outside of Gambling Girl, and tucked directly in front impeding that rival.”
Gambling Girl “bobbled heavily” and “lost two to three lengths of ground,” the chart stated.
Ortiz objected after finishing sixth and the stewards lit the inquiry sign before making the DQ official.
Bejarano opted not to appeal his days, and will serve them Aug. 26, 27 and 30.
Riding primarily at Ellis Park this summer, the 41-year-old Bejarano is currently tied for second in the standings there in wins. He ranks third in purse earnings.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
