Edited NYRA Staff Release – Sunday’s seventh race at Saratoga Race Course, a 1 1/16-mile maiden special weight over the inner turf course, was declared a “No Contest” by the Board of Stewards.
A mechanical issue with the starting gate tractor created a delay in removing the gate once the field broke. Due to safety concerns communicated by the outriders to the jockeys, several jockeys pulled up their mounts during the running of the race. As a result, the Board of Stewards declared the race a “No Contest.”
“Ensuring a safe racing environment for jockeys and horses is paramount,” said Pat McKenna, Vice President of Communications for NYRA. “Our outriders are highly skilled and experienced professionals who made a swift decision today based on concern for the safety of the jockeys and horses in the heat of competition.”
All wagers placed starting in Race 7 were refunded. All other Pick 3, Pick 5, Pick 6 and Grand Slam wagers were considered an ALL for the corresponding leg of the wager. Consolation payouts were given for the Double that started in Race 6.
