The second race at Bay Meadows Feb. 6 was declared a no contest after four of the six horses in the $16,000 maiden claiming event were affected by a spill in deep stretch.
The accident occurred when Fields of Flowers, ridden by Octavio Vergara, ducked in and then swerved out, unseating Vergara. Fields of Flowers then collided with Swiss Ladybug and knocked off her jockey, Dennis Carr. Jason Lumpkins, who was aboard Toast to Victory, and Joe Castro, who was on Beaded Butterfly, both had to steady their horses to avoid the fallen jockeys and loose horses.
Bay Meadows stewards cited California Horse Racing Board rule No. 1544, which states, "In the event of interference during the running of a race which affects the majority of horses in such race, the stewards may declare the race as no contest."
Wagers on the race, which was for 3-year-old California-bred fillies, were refunded. Bettors were credited with a win on wagers that involved multiple races (daily double, pick three, and pick four).
Both Vergara and Carr came out of accident with only bruises and rode the remainder of their mounts.
In the first race Sunday, jockey Francisco Duran was taken to San Mateo Medical Center for precautionary X-rays after taking a fall. Duran was unseated when his mount, Way Brite, ducked out suddenly on the first turn.
Duran complained of soreness in his neck and had a contusion on his right cheek and some bleeding from his right gum. X-rays were negative and Duran said he plans to resume riding Wednesday.
