Report: Irad Ortiz may be penalized for his ride in Pasco

Five-time Eclipse Award winner Irad Ortiz Jr. reportedly faces possible penalties for his ride Saturday that cost his mount Owen Almighty the victory in the Pasco Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs.

Joelyn Rigione, one of the stewards on duty this weekend, told Thoroughbred Daily News that it probably will be Wednesday at the earliest when she and her two colleagues will decide whether Ortiz should be suspended, fined or both.

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Ortiz was between horses trying to put Owen Almighty on the lead as the three frontrunners moved into the turn of the seven-furlong Pasco. His inward move forced Júnior Alvarado to check hard on Rookie Card to avoid a spill.

Owen Almighty, the odds-on favorite, went on to finish first, but stewards disqualified him and placed him fifth in the field of six. Naughty Rascal, the horse to the outside in the turn, crossed second and was promoted to the victory. Rookie Card never recovered and was left to finish fifth. He was promoted to fourth.

Rigione told TDN that she and fellow stewards Reese Howard and Brook Hawkins still were reviewing video and conducting interviews. She said the reason the decision would not come before mid-week is because Monday and Tuesday are days off.