Flavien Prat Suspended for Careless Riding at Saratoga

Flavien Prat has been suspended for three days for careless riding at Saratoga Race Course. The New York State Gaming Commission announced the penalty late last month for an incident on July 17.

What happened in Prat's suspended ride?

Prat was cited for his ride aboard Sandtrap in the De La Rose Stakes on July 17. The horse finished third. Stewards ruled that Sandtrap and the sixth-place finisher, Deep Satin, were both at fault for an incident during the stretch run. They determined the contact was "inconsequential to the running of the races," so the official order of finish stood. Prat will serve his suspension from August 12 to 14.

Who else was penalized?

Prat was not alone. The commission also handed down three-day suspensions to jockeys Reylu Gutierrez and Mario Gutierrez for separate incidents on July 17 and 18. Reylu Gutierrez served his days from July 31 through August 2 for a winning ride on My First Dinah. The official chart notes the horse bumped the runner-up and carried that opponent out. Mario Gutierrez will sit out from August 19 to 21. His mount, Key Colony Beach, bumped with the eventual winner just outside the three-sixteenths pole in a July 18 race.

How does this affect Prat's season?

The suspension is a notable interruption for Prat, who has been one of the leading riders at the prestigious Saratoga meet this season. Losing three racing days in mid-August can impact momentum and opportunities. For fans tracking the jockey standings, this break could influence the race for the top spot.

• Flavien Prat gets a three-day suspension for a July 17 ride.
• Two other jockeys, Reylu Gutierrez and Mario Gutierrez, received identical penalties.
• Prat's suspension runs from August 12 to 14.
• The stewards' ruling did not change the race outcome.