Beverly D. DQ Of Secret Gesture Upheld
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Photo: Four Footed Fotos
Secret Gesture (center, maroon silks) in the Beverly D.
In a Sept. 24 ruling signed by Illinois Racing Board executive director designee Domenic DiCerta, a director’s review conference report upheld the disqualification of Secret Gesture from first to third place in the Aug. 15 running of the $750,000 Beverly D. Stakes (gr. IT) at Arlington International Racecourse.
Stewards had disqualified Secret Gesture and fined her jockey, Jamie Spencer, $1,500 for coming out from the two path to the five path in the stretch run and impeding the progress of Ken and Sarah Ramsey's Stephanie's Kitten, who was moved up from third place to second. Watsdachances, the original second-place finisher, was elevated to the victory. The report also upheld the fine against Spencer.
The disqualification cost Qatar Racing and Newells Park Stud’s Secret Gesture an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (gr. IT), as the Beverly D. is a Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You’re In” stakes. That berth instead goes to Michael Kisber, Bradley Thoroughbreds, and Nelson McMakin’s Watsdachances.
Bradley Thoroughbreds, helmed by Lexington bloodstock agent Peter Bradley, was the co-owner of 2014 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf winner Dayatthespa.