LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has fined Tyler Gaffalione, the jockey for second-place Kentucky Derby finisher Sierra Leone, $2,500 for his for a bumpy and controversial ride down the stretch of Saturday’s Derby.
Gaffalione appeared to reach out and make contact with an adjacent rider and horse, third-place finisher Forever Young, in the stretch, leading to post-race questions.
There was no claim of foul from the rider or connections of Forever Young, a Japan-based entry. A spokesman for the racing team said claims of foul are rare in Japan and that it was up to the stewards to make such a determination.
Stewards did not post the inquiry sign.
The KHRC said in a subsequent statement that, “The stewards review every race in Kentucky live and by video replay before posting it official, and they followed the same procedure for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. After conducting their standard review of the race, determining no further review or investigation was necessary to conclude there were no incidents that altered the finish of the race, and seeing there were no objections filed, the stewards posted the Kentucky Derby official.”
Still, Gaffalione was summoned to a Thursday meeting with stewards to review the video of his ride, where he was sanctioned for “touching a rival with his left hand nearing the finish.”
Why there was no action taken after the race remains unanswered. Gaffalione, who will ride Tuscan Gold in the Preakness, has 30 days to pay the fine.
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