Saratoga Stewards' Decisions

Stewards' Decision for Race 7 on 8/1/2025

In the 7th race at Saratoga on 8/1/2025, there was a jockeys objection involving the #7 Zulu Kingdom, placed first, ridden by Flavien Prat, the #2 Luther, placed second, ridden by Joel Rosario and #3 Tiz Dashing, placed fourth, ridden by Javier Castellano.

The incident occurred approaching the first bend. After viewing replays of the incident and questioning riders involved, the Stewards were of the view that Zulu Kingdom shifted left leaving insufficient room on its inside, resulting in Tiz Dashing having to take back for a number of strides and carried left into the path of Luther, who made contact with the running rail for numerous strides and caused the rider to check sharply, losing significant momentum and resulted in Luther losing its racing position into the first turn.

The Stewards are satisfied that the incident cost #2 Luther and #3 Tiz Dashing the opportunity at a better placing and as a result #7 Zulu Kingdom was disqualified from 1stand placed 4th. The revised order of finish is 2-5-3-7.

Stewards' Review

In his weekly segment, NYRA steward Victor Escobar discusses decisions made throughout the week regarding incidents, inquiries, objections, or disqualifications. Please note, no video will be produced during weeks where no inquires or objections took place.
 

About Stewards' Decisions

Directly following any decision they make having to do with the official order of finish, including inquiries and objections, the stewards – one appointed by The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), one appointed by the New York State Gaming Commission, and one appointed by The Jockey Club (TJC) – provide an explanation of what happened and the reason for their decision.

Stewards' inquiries are a two-step process. The first is the decision that the stewards make regarding whether interference affected the outcome of the race. This decision is made in real time and may result in a disqualification if the stewards believe the interference altered the order of finish. The second part of the inquiry happens the following race day during formal film review with the relevant riders. A rider may be fined or suspended if the stewards believe interference was the result of careless or reckless riding. In that instance, a ruling is issued and the rider is given time to decide whether to appeal. Once that decision is made and the ruling is public, the ruling will be added to the Stewards Decision website.