Fighting Breeders' Cup jockeys meet with stewards
November 7, 2010LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -Kentucky racing officials will announce Sunday whether to penalize jockeys Calvin Borel and Javier Castellano for a post-race brawl after the Breeders' Cup Marathon at Churchill Downs.
Officials met with Borel, Castellano and fellow rider Martin Garcia on Saturday to review the race and the ensuing chaos.
Castellano and Borel fought near the winner's circle moments after the race. Borel was angry over a mid-race move by Castellano aboard Prince Will I Am that nearly sent Garcia's horse Romp tumbling and blunted Borel's momentum on A.U. Miner.
Borel approached Castellano while they waited to speak to race officials, jabbing a finger at Castellano just yards away from the celebration in the winner's circle for race winner Eldaafer.
Castellano then made a move toward Borel, setting off a chaotic scene that ended with Borel being restrained by a couple of security officials and older brother Cecil.
Borel, the winning jockey in three of the last four Kentucky Derbys, later apologized for his behavior on his Facebook page.
``It was a situation that deserved to be resolved,'' Borel wrote. ``However, said resolution should have taken place within the privacy of the jockeys quarters.''
Kentucky State Steward John Veitch said an official ruling will be made Sunday. Penalties could range from a warning to a suspension.
Both Borel and Castellano have indicated they will waive a formal hearing, though they will maintain their right to appeal the decision.
Neither rider has a history of misconduct while riding in Kentucky, Veitch said.
Borel and Castellano were back at work Saturday. Borel has two mounts during the eight-race Breeders' Cup card, while Castellano was scheduled to ride in six Cup races.