In an extraordinary breach of racing etiquette that has sent shockwaves through the sport, jockey Luis Saez appears to have deliberately grabbed a rival horse's reins during a live race at the prestigious Saratoga Race Course.
The incident, captured in stunning high-definition footage, occurred during the final furlong of the $150,000 Glen Falls Stakes this past Sunday. Saez, aboard the favourite Royal Pride, is seen reaching across to the reins of Marketsegmentation, ridden by rival jockey Dylan Davis, in a clear and dangerous interference.
A Clear View of Controversy
The overhead camera angle leaves little to the imagination. As the two thoroughbreds battle for position, Saez's left arm extends outwards, making clear contact with the equipment of the horse beside him. The deliberate nature of the movement has been described by seasoned racing commentators as one of the most blatant acts of interference they have ever witnessed.
Jockey Dylan Davis immediately felt the pull on his reins, later reporting the incident to race stewards. The interference potentially cost his mount vital momentum in the crucial closing stages of the Grade III contest.
Stewards Launch Immediate Inquiry
Race officials did not hesitate to act. The iconic Saratoga green and white-striped stewards' stand promptly lit up its inquiry sign, pausing the race's official result. After a lengthy review of the video evidence, the verdict was decisive.
Luis Saez was found guilty of a clear foul. His mount, Royal Pride, who had finished second, was officially disqualified and placed last. Marketsegmentation was elevated to second place, with the winner, War Like Goddess, unaffected.
Industry Backlash and Integrity Concerns
The racing world has reacted with a mixture of disbelief and anger. Such a brazen act at a hallowed venue like Saratoga—on a weekend celebrating the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame, no less—has raised serious questions about integrity and safety within the sport.
Attention now turns to the New York Gaming Commission, which is expected to review the incident. Saez, a top-tier jockey, faces the strong possibility of a significant suspension and a heavy fine for his actions, which are being widely condemned as dangerous and utterly unprofessional.
