A spill in the early stages of race 10 at Gulfstream Park March 16 prompted stewards to declare the race a 'no contest' to protect the safety of jockeys and horses.
Jockey Edgar Prado was unseated by his mount, Go Go Romeo, approaching the first turn in the two-turn turf race and was lying on the course as the horses continued down the backstretch and into the far turn. The stewards, acting quickly as the danger became apparent, declared the race "no contest" and track announcer Larry Collmus made the announcement for the benefit of the other jockeys in 1 1/16-mile optional claiming race and track patrons.
There were no further incidents on the track.
Prado eventually sat up and was taken to the track's first aid, where he complained of right shoulder pain. He was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Fla. for evaluation.
"The safety of our riders and horses has to come first," said Gulfstream Park president Tim Ritvo. "When the outrider got to the jockey, the jockey wasn't moving and the outrider immediately called the stewards. The stewards only had a few seconds to react. It's unfortunate what happened, but we will not take any chances when it comes to the life of a rider or horse."
Because of the decision, all wagers on the race were refunded and consolation payoffs were made for daily double and Pick 3 wagers made in the prior race.
Due to the ruling, 100% of the Rainbow 6 pool was paid off to those bettors with the winners of the other five races. The 7-1-5-3-all-1 combination paid $17,858.18.
The Rainbow 6 jackpot of $3,325,154.33 that was carried over to March 16 will be maintained for the the next racing program March 19.
The 50-cent Pick 5 combination of 1-5-3-all-1 returned $83,348.25.
