Irad Ortiz Jr., aboard Tiz Splendid News, in the Kentucky Downs winner’s circle shortly before officials announced he was not the winner
Placing judges at Kentucky Downs racetrack in Franklin, Ky., posted the incorrect order of finish in the third race on Wednesday’s closing-day program, declaring Tiz Splendid News (No. 8) the unofficial winner and Sir Roberto (No. 1) the second-place finisher in the 6 1/2 furlong grass race for 2-year-old maidens.
Sir Roberto, on the outside, finished a nose in front of Tiz Splendid News, as the photo finish clearly indicates – not the other way around. Fortunately, the error was caught before the race was made official. Six minutes after the incorrect order (8-1-5-2) was posted by officials, track announcer Larry Collmus (whose live call of the race predicted Sir Roberto as the winner) announced the correct order: 1-8-5-2.
Irad Ortiz Jr., who rode the Wesley Ward-trained Tiz Splendid News into the winner’s circle, subsequently lodged a claim of foul after learning his horse did not win. That claim of foul was disallowed.
Following is a statement from the stewards posted on the Kentucky Downs website:
After the running of race 3 the placing judges posted the order of finish as 8-1-5-2. Upon their discovery that their initial posting was incorrect, and prior to the race being posted official, the placing judges notified the stewards of the correct order of finish which was then posted as 1-8-5-2. An objection that was lodged by the rider of second place #8 “Tiz Splendid News” (Irad Ortiz, Jr.) alleging interference by the rider of the unofficial winner #1 “Sir Roberto” (Gabriel Saez) was then entertained by the stewards who reviewed the race replay, interviewed the riders and determined that the slight contact that occurred approaching the wire was mutual and therefore did not warrant a disqualification. The race was then posted official with the correct order of finish as they had originally crossed the finish line.
1-8-5-2.
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