GM: No Betting Irregularities With Pulled-Up Favorite

A tote investigation by a track mutuel director into the fourth race March 10 at Turf Paradise, in which the 1-20 favorite Juror  was pulled up mere strides into the race, yielded no irregularities in betting patterns, Turf Paradise general manager Vince Francia said March 11. An investigation by the track stewards is in progress, he added. 

The race drew attention Thursday when the Juan Pablo Silva-trained favorite was restrained within seconds of the start of a mile maiden claiming race by jockey Fausto Da Silva. Da Silva withdrew his feet from the irons as he brought the Tapit   gelding to a halt entering the clubhouse turn.

Head On: pic.twitter.com/RnLY2gV8yu

— Craig Milkowski (@TimeformUSfigs) March 11, 2022

Juror was vanned off. The Equibase chart noted he was claimed for $3,500 by trainer Eliska Kubinova for owners Gary and Deborah Lusk and D. J. Saddler.

The well-traveled 5-year-old had been second once and third four times from 12 prior starts while racing for four different trainers. 

Francia said Friday he was not aware of any injuries to the horse.

According to Francia, the Arizona Racing Commission does not have a voided claim rule if a horse is declared unsound. Turf Paradise previously initiated a voided claim regulation by house rules, Francia said, but was told a change to the Arizona statute would be needed for implementation.

"We are in the process of doing that now," he said.

Francia said he spoke to an assistant starter and was told Juror banged the side of the gate, but "as to whether or not that affected what ensued, I don't know. That's why the stewards' investigation with interviews is ongoing."