Report: New York stewards will not review controversial decision

New York stewards will not review their decision on Saturday's Great White Way division of the New York Stallion Series at Aqueduct.

Two owners contacted the New York Gaming Commission to appeal the stewards' ruling in the race, according to a report from Bill Finley of Thoroughbred Daily News. One was Dean Reeves, owner of Brick Ambush, who was disqualified from second to last. Reeves challenged the disqualification of Brick Ambush. The other was Thomas Albrecht, the managing partner of a group who owns The Big Torpedo. Albrecht appealed the stewards' choice not to disqualify race winner Antonio of Venice.

According to the response from the gaming commission, it will not review the decision because the stewards' decisions were final and not subject to appeal. The response explained that "stewards' placement decisions are questions of fact that cannot be appealed".

Coming into the lane, there was a tight three-horse line when Brick Ambush came in while making a run outside of Solo's Fury and Antonio of Venice. Solo's Fury, who checked between horses, weakened to last. Antonio of Venice, who shifted in and bumped Solo's Fury, subsequently shifted out and made a winning outside rally. Upon review, stewards disqualified Brick Ambush from second place to last but made no further changes to the placings.

Jockey Junior Alvarado, who was riding Brick Ambush, has been suspended for three days for that ride. Franco waived his right to an appeal and will serve his suspension on Jan. 1, Jan. 4 and Jan. 5, 2024.