Photo:

Tampa Bay Downs TV

Irad Ortiz has been suspended for three days for his ride on Owen Almighty in Saturday’s Pasco Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs.

Ortiz will begin serving his suspension Sunday and serve the final two days of it on Jan. 22 and 23 according to Ortiz’s agent Steve Rushing, who confirmed it to Horse Racing Nation via text message. The suspension was previously reported by David Grening of Daily Racing Form.

Odds-on favorite Owen Almighty disputed the pace outside of Rookie Card through the early stages of the race. Approaching the far turn Naughty Rascal joined the leading flight three wide, putitng Owen Almighty in the middle. Near the three eighths, Owen Almighty came in on Rookie Card. Jockey Junior Alvarado checked hard on Rookie Card as a result. They faded through the field, never again contended, and crossed the finish line fifth.

After the incident Owen Almighty continuned to dispute terms with Naughty Rascal while clear of the rest of the field, with Owen Almighty edging clear in the final furlong to finish a length ahead of Naughty Rascal. Stewards performed an inquiry into the running near the three eighths, where Owen Almighty came in on Rookie Card. Upon review, they disqualified Owen Almighty from first to fifth for interference running into the turn, elevating Naughty Rascal to the victory.