Rajiv Maragh suspended
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Rajiv Maragh suspended for Belmont Stakes ride
By RICHARD ROSENBLATT, AP Sports Writer
Jun 15, 6:02 pm EDT
tweet4EmailPrintNEW YORK (AP)Jockey Rajiv Maragh was suspended for seven days for careless riding in the Belmont Stakes, when his horse started a series of collisions that nearly caused Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom to fall just after the start.
ELMONT, NY - JUNE 11: A woman
Getty Images - Jun 11, 1:56 pm EDT Horse Racing Gallery The suspension was announced Wednesday by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board after the racing stewards met with the riders involved.
A few strides into the Belmont, Maragh, aboard Isnt He Perfect, veered left from the No. 11 post into Mucho Macho Man, who in turned bumped Animal Kingdom. The force sent the Derby winner and jockey John Velazquez into Monzon, with Animal Kingdom stumbling badly and Velazquez nearly falling off the horse.
The day after the race, in which Animal Kingdom fell way back before finishing sixth, Velazquez blamed Maragh for causing the Derby winners defeat. Isnt He Perfect finished last in the 12-horse field.
Thats what I think, Velazquez said Sunday. Thats why Im so frustrated. It shouldnt happen. He should not be playing something like that in a race like this. Its stupidity and it shouldnt happen.
The stewards agreed, and handed down a 10-day suspension. Maragh waived an appeal, which reduced the suspension to seven days. The ban starts Sunday.
Maragh rode Mucho Macho Man in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, but was taken off the horse before the Belmont and replaced by Ramon Dominguez.
Maragh said the day after the race that at no time did I premeditate interfering with anyone. I have nothing vengeful against them.
Its definitely an unfortunate incident, he added.
Ruler On Ice, a 24-1 long shot, won the Belmont.
By RICHARD ROSENBLATT, AP Sports Writer
Jun 15, 6:02 pm EDT
tweet4EmailPrintNEW YORK (AP)Jockey Rajiv Maragh was suspended for seven days for careless riding in the Belmont Stakes, when his horse started a series of collisions that nearly caused Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom to fall just after the start.
ELMONT, NY - JUNE 11: A woman
Getty Images - Jun 11, 1:56 pm EDT Horse Racing Gallery The suspension was announced Wednesday by the New York State Racing and Wagering Board after the racing stewards met with the riders involved.
A few strides into the Belmont, Maragh, aboard Isnt He Perfect, veered left from the No. 11 post into Mucho Macho Man, who in turned bumped Animal Kingdom. The force sent the Derby winner and jockey John Velazquez into Monzon, with Animal Kingdom stumbling badly and Velazquez nearly falling off the horse.
The day after the race, in which Animal Kingdom fell way back before finishing sixth, Velazquez blamed Maragh for causing the Derby winners defeat. Isnt He Perfect finished last in the 12-horse field.
Thats what I think, Velazquez said Sunday. Thats why Im so frustrated. It shouldnt happen. He should not be playing something like that in a race like this. Its stupidity and it shouldnt happen.
The stewards agreed, and handed down a 10-day suspension. Maragh waived an appeal, which reduced the suspension to seven days. The ban starts Sunday.
Maragh rode Mucho Macho Man in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, but was taken off the horse before the Belmont and replaced by Ramon Dominguez.
Maragh said the day after the race that at no time did I premeditate interfering with anyone. I have nothing vengeful against them.
Its definitely an unfortunate incident, he added.
Ruler On Ice, a 24-1 long shot, won the Belmont.