Knapp blameless after investigation

PORTLAND, Ore. - Jockey Karen Knapp was held blameless after an investigation into her ride aboard Both Guns in the fifth race at Portland Meadows on Monday, Jan. 20.

In that race, Both Guns was vying for the lead at the eighth pole when Knapp eased the gelding for no reason that was apparent to the stewards, resulting in a third place finish. When questioned by the stewards, Knapp explained she felt her mount had taken a bad step. Though a review of the film revealed no visible break in the stride of Both Guns, x-rays later revealed that the horse had suffered a fracture of the medial sesamoid, most probably incurred during the running of the race.

Recognizing that riders can feel movements that are not apparent to the eye, and noting that there were no apparent discrepancies in wagering patterns on the race, the stewards assigned no fault to Knapp and dismissed suspicions that there was a "fix" of the race.