Report: Owner Files Remsen Protest Over Non-DQ

Jeff Drown, owner of the Chad Brown-trained Zandon , the narrowly beaten runner-up in the Remsen Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct Racetrack Dec. 4, has filed a protest with the New York State Gaming Commission over the stewards not disqualifying victorious Mo Donegal  for alleged interference in the race, Daily Racing Form reported Dec. 9.

Donegal Racing's Mo Donegal, trained by Todd Pletcher, dueled down the stretch with Zandon, finishing a nose in front after the two horses and their riders competed in tight quarters late. Mo Donegal drifted inward from the center of the track under right-handed urging from winning jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., who, nearing the wire, threw crosses with his left rein. He appeared to make contact with Zandon or that one's rider, John Velazquez. The two horses also bumped just before the wire.

The stewards let the result stand after a rider's claim of foul and a stewards' inquiry.

Drown said to the Form that "the outcome was affected by how the race was ridden."

Two of the three customary stewards at Aqueduct—The Jockey Club steward Jennifer Durenberger and NYSGC steward Braulio Baeza Jr.— did not work this past Saturday and replacement stewards filled in. 

Baeza told Daily Racing Form's David Grening Thursday that the commission has the discretion to decide whether to hear Drown's protest, in which he is represented by attorney Drew Mollica.