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Tampa Bay Downs TV

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.