Saturday’s race in Saratoga on Sunday, the first junior’s 1/16-mile grass event, was declared contest-free after a mechanical problem with the tractor at the starting gate caused an outstanding athlete tries to stop the court on the back of a chair (click to replay). While the starting gate was eventually moved in time and the majority of the runners finished the race, some were pulled up early.
Hijab (Malibu Moon), whose third start experienced a pair of efforts across the board on Churchill grounds and part of a 5-1 entry, fought back within the narrowest range of Chad Brown’s most famous first. Idea Generation (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in posted time is 1:44.15.
“Ensuring a safe racing environment for horses and jockeys is paramount,” said Pat McKenna, NYRA Vice President of Communications. “Our guides are highly skilled and experienced professionals who made quick decisions today based on concern for the safety of jockeys and horses. in a time of intense competition.”
All bets starting on the seventh lap have been refunded. Consolation payouts have been made to the daily double finish in that race and the race is considered “all” for other multi-race bets.
Towhead, a $100,000 KEESEP owned by Deuce Greathouse, Cindy Hutson, and Brett Setzer and coached by Mike Maker, is still a teenager.
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This story was posted in Top News and tagged New York Racing Association, NYRA, Pat McKenna, Saratoga, Hijab.
