SAHorseracing.com
SAHorseracing.com
Gaffalione Fined for Derby Stretch run

After a review by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission on May 9, jockey Tyler Gaffalione was fined $2,500 for making contact with an opponent using his left hand near the end of the Kentucky Derby 150. Gaffalione has a 30-day window to pay the fine.

Despite a dramatic duel between second-place finisher Sierra Leone and third-place finisher Forever Young, no further penalties were imposed. The stewards at Churchill Downs chose not to launch an inquiry, and there were no objections from Ryusei Sakai, the rider of Forever Young, or the horse's connections.

Hiroshi Ando, racing manager for trainer Yoshito Yahagi's Forever Young, noted that claims of foul are uncommon in Japan, leaving the decision in the hands of the stewards.

Sierra Leone earned $1,000,000 for its runner-up finish to Derby victor Mystik Dan, with Gaffalione expected to receive approximately $97,500 as his share, which is typically 10% of the purse.

Gaffalione is slated to ride Tuscan Gold in the Preakness Stakes on May 18 at Pimlico Race Course, the second leg of the Triple Crown series.

Due to ongoing renovations at Belmont Park, this year's Belmont Stakes will be held at Saratoga Race Course in New York, with a shortened distance of 1 1/4 miles instead of the usual 1 1/2-mile "Test of the Champion."

Both Forever Young and T.O. Password, who finished fifth, have returned to Japan and will not compete in the remaining Triple Crown races. 

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